How can electronegativity result in a polar molecule?

1 Answer
Callum S.
Oct 22, 2015

If the atoms have a certain electronegativity, then the molecule is polar.

Explanation:

The atoms that are present in a molecule must have an electronegativity difference of between 0.3 to 1.5. This results in a molecule that is polar covalent.

An example of this is the molecule hydrogen fluoride, or #HF#. The bonding pair of electrons in the molecule is pulled slightly towards one of the atoms, which results in a slightly positive charge on one of the atoms, and a slightly negative charge on the other.

This phenomenon also takes place in ammonia, #NH_3#. The nitrogen has a greater electronegativity than the hydrogen, so the bonding pair of electrons is attracted more towards the nitrogen in the molecule than the hydrogen.

Related questions
See all questions in Electronegativity and Shielding
Impact of this question
2727 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License