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Nonpolar Substance

Definition

A nonpolar substance is a type of chemical substance where the electrons are shared equally between atoms in a molecule, resulting in no electrical poles or charges.

Analogy

Think of a nonpolar substance like an evenly balanced seesaw. Just as the weight on both sides of the seesaw is equal and there's no tilt towards one side, in a nonpolar molecule, the electron sharing between atoms is also equal, creating no positive or negative ends.

Related terms

Covalent Bond: This is a type of chemical bond where two atoms share electrons.

Symmetry: In chemistry, this refers to how identical parts are arranged around a point or axis.

Hydrophobic: This term describes substances that do not mix with water. Nonpolar substances are typically hydrophobic because "like dissolves like."

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.