Molecular polarity and geometry

Definition

The principle that whether a molecule is polar depends on both the polarity of its bonds and its overall shape.

Local charge imbalance does not guarantee global polarity. In linear carbon dioxide each carbon-oxygen bond is polar, but the opposing imbalances point in opposite directions and cancel, leaving the molecule nonpolar. In bent water the imbalances do not cancel, so the molecule is polar. Polarity is decided jointly by electronegativity and geometry.

Related concepts

Lone pairs of electrons · Polar molecule · Polar covalent bond

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Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🧪 chemistry