#### Related to [[Electronegativity]] --- ## Definition - Polarity describes the **difference in charge** between two sides of a molecule. Some molecules have **no difference in charge and are non-polar**. --- ## Determining polarity - The **more electronegative side of any molecule** will be negatively charged. - If a molecule is **symmetrical** it is likely **non polar** since charges will cancel each other out. >[!tip] >## Dipole moment >- A dipole moment happens between **two atoms that have differing electronegativities**. >- The dipole moment or just dipole will point from the **less electronegative atom to the more electronegative** atom. >- Adding up these **dipole moments** as vectors *(and canceling them out as necessary)* will result in the **net dipole moment** of a molecule. *(seen in bottom image as red arrow)* > >- ![[Polarity example.png | 600]] >- ![[dipole moment.png | 600]] --- #mainpage