Polarity
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.
Analogy
Think of polarity like magnets. Just as magnets have a north pole and a south pole, polar molecules have a positive end and a negative end. And just like magnets, opposites attract in the world of molecules too!
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.
"Polarity" appears in:
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