Molecular Polarity Explorer

Understand polar vs nonpolar molecules with interactive bond dipoles and net dipole visualization.

Water

H₂O

polar
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Concepts

What Is Polarity?

A molecule is polar if it has an uneven distribution of electron density, creating a net dipole moment. Polarity determines solubility, boiling point, and intermolecular interactions.

To determine if a molecule is polar, you need two pieces of information:

1. Are the bonds polar?

Compare electronegativities. A difference greater than ~0.4 makes a bond polar. Electron density shifts toward the more electronegative atom.

2. Does the geometry cancel the dipoles?

Symmetric shapes (linear, tetrahedral, etc.) can cause polar bonds to cancel out, making the molecule nonpolar overall. Asymmetric shapes leave a net dipole.

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About This Molecule

Water (H₂O)

Geometry: Bent · Polar · 2 lone pairs

Learn more about Water polarity →

Electronegativity Reference

O3.44
H2.20