key term - Polar molecule

Definition

A polar molecule is one in which there is an unequal distribution of electron density, resulting in the molecule having a positive end and a negative end. This uneven charge distribution occurs because of differences in electronegativity between the atoms involved.

Related terms

Electronegativity:

A measure of how strongly atoms attract bonding electrons to themselves.

Hydrogen Bond:

A weak bond between two molecules resulting from an electrostatic attraction between a proton in one molecule and an electronegative atom in the other.

Nonpolar Molecule: A molecule that has no separated positive and negative areas because electrons are distributed more equally