Question

activity a: bond polarity
get the gizmo ready: • on the bond polarity tab, click reset ( ). • drag the atoms out of the simulation area.
introduction: when atoms share electrons, their overall charge can be affected by the average position of the electrons. polar covalent bonds form when shared electrons are pulled closer to one atom than another, causing the bonded atoms to become partially charged. in nonpolar covalent bonds, electrons are shared equally.
question: what causes bonds to be polar or nonpolar?

1. observe: select the show polar molecule inset checkbox. the animation shows the probable location of electrons (orange dots) in a polar molecule.

a. what do you notice about the distribution of the electrons?
b. how does this electron distribution affect the charges of the bonded atoms?

1. observe: turn on the show nonpolar molecule inset.

a. how are the electrons in this molecule distributed?
b. why do the bonded atoms remain neutral?

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze polar molecule electron - distribution

In a polar molecule, the electrons are not evenly distributed. They are pulled closer to the more electronegative atom. So, for 1A, the electrons are clustered more around the more electronegative atom in the polar molecule.

Step2: Determine charge - effect in polar molecule

Since electrons are negatively charged, the atom with more electrons around it becomes partially negatively charged, and the other atom becomes partially positively charged. So, for 1B, the atom with more electrons has a partial negative charge and the other has a partial positive charge.

Step3: Analyze non - polar molecule electron - distribution

In a non - polar molecule, the electrons are shared equally between the atoms. So, for 2A, the electrons are evenly distributed between the bonded atoms.

Step4: Explain neutrality in non - polar molecule

Since the electrons are evenly distributed, there is no separation of charge, and the bonded atoms remain neutral. So, for 2B, because of the equal sharing of electrons, there is no partial charge formation, and the atoms remain neutral.

Answer:

1A. The electrons are clustered more around the more electronegative atom.
1B. The atom with more electrons has a partial negative charge and the other has a partial positive charge.
2A. The electrons are evenly distributed between the bonded atoms.
2B. Because of the equal sharing of electrons, there is no partial charge formation, and the atoms remain neutral.