---
title: "Polarity — AP Chem Definition, Bonds & Solubility Guide"
description: "Polarity is the uneven distribution of charge in a bond or molecule, set by electronegativity differences. It drives solubility, chromatography, and IMF questions in AP Chem."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-chem/key-terms/polarity"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Chemistry"
---

# Polarity — AP Chem Definition, Bonds & Solubility Guide

## Definition

Polarity refers to the distribution of electric charges in a molecule, leading to regions of positive and negative charge. It determines how molecules interact with each other.

## Related Study Guides

- [3.9 Separation of Solutions and Mixtures](/ap-chem/unit-3/separation-solutions-mixtures-chromatography/study-guide/BMXrD6AItw7ILAHui8X9)
- [3.10 Solubility](/ap-chem/unit-3/solubility/study-guide/XmVywOyhrzQscHR0OYP1)
- [1.4 Composition of Mixtures](/ap-chem/unit-1/composition-mixtures/study-guide/dKotYK10xJPuFb5FD15l)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Nonpolar Molecules: These are molecules where electrons are shared equally by the atoms, resulting in no charge separation.
- Dipole Moment: This is a measure of the overall polarity of a molecule.
- Hydrogen Bonding: A type of intermolecular force that occurs when a hydrogen atom bonded to an electronegative atom interacts with another electronegative atom. It's stronger due to polarity.