Difference between polar and non-polar molecules?

Question

1. What is the difference between polar and non-polar molecules? From my understanding polar molecules transfer electrons, while non-polar molecules share electrons.

 

2. What are some substances formed by non-polar covalent bonds, and polar covalent bonds?

 

3. Please contrast covalent bond with ionic bond.

 

 

Thank you

Answer 1

Hi Rob,

I encourage you to research in order to gain a full understanding of the topic. Below, I have included links that contain diagrams, charts, and descriptions for your answers.

1. "Nonpolar covalent bonds are a type of chemical bond where two atoms share a pair of electrons with each other. Polar covalent bondingis a type of chemical bond where a pair of electrons is unequally shared between two atoms."

2. Methane and Pentane are formed by nonplar covalent bonds. Diagrams: http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/biology/bio4fv/page/nonpola.htm 

Water is formed by polar covalent bonds. Diagrams http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/biology/bio4fv/page/polar_c.htm 

3. Covalent bonds differ from ionic bonds in a number of ways including polarity, formation, and shape. For more detail (a comparison chart) please see http://www.diffen.com/difference/Covalent_Bonds_vs_Ionic_Bonds 

Best, 
Starlyte H.