Polar vs. Nonpolar Bonds Definition, Types, Examples & Uses

Polar vs. Nonpolar Bonds

Subject: Chemistry

Book: General Chemistry

A bond’s polarity depends on the difference in electronegativity between bonded atoms. If electrons are shared unequally, the bond is polar and can create partial charges (δ+ and δ–). Water (H2O) is a polar molecule due to oxygen’s higher electronegativity compared to hydrogen. In contrast, bonds between atoms with similar electronegativities (e.g., H–H) are nonpolar. Polarity influences a compound’s solubility, melting point, and biological interactions.