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.

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