Which term describes a molecule with a net dipole moment due to unequal sharing of electrons?

• A. Nonpolar
• B. Polar
• C. Ionized
• D. Hydrophobic

Answer: (B)

The main concept is that unequal sharing of electrons creates a net dipole moment, defining a polar molecule. When atoms have different electronegativities, electrons are pulled toward the more electronegative atom, giving it a partial negative charge and leaving the other atom with a partial positive charge. If the molecule’s geometry doesn’t cancel these dipoles, the overall molecule has a net dipole moment and is polar. Nonpolar molecules share electrons more evenly or have a symmetrical shape that cancels individual dipoles, so there’s no net dipole. Ionized refers to a charged species, which isn’t about having a dipole moment, and hydrophobic describes solubility tendencies tied to nonpolarity rather than the presence of a dipole. Therefore, the molecule described is polar.