Q89E - Chemistry (OpenStax)

Question

Explain how a molecule that contains polar bonds can be nonpolar.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Since, the polar bonds lie at opposite directions hence they cancel out each other and a molecule that contains polar bonds becomes nonpolar.

Step 1: Concept Introduction

A molecule is a group of atoms joined together by chemical bonds; the term might include ions that meet this condition depending on the context.

Step 2: Non-polarity of polar bonds

This case can arise in the situation when two identical atoms are found across the central atom from one another. So, in this case although each bond with central atom is polar but overallmolecule is non-polar as polarity of both bonds are in opposite direction and it cancels each other out.

 

Therefore, due to bonds being on opposite side the whole molecule becomes non-polar.