Chemistry · Chapter 7

Bond Dipoles and Polarity

Each polar bond carries an arrow. Add the arrows as vectors on the real shape and you learn whether the whole molecule is polar. Swap an outer atom to break the symmetry.

The molecule H2O

Bond dipoles adding on a molecular shape

Gold arrows are bond dipoles. The teal arrow is their sum.

Choose a molecule

Adding the arrows

Net arrow
1.24 EN units
Verdict
Polar

    Measured dipole moment: 1.85 D.

    What you are seeing
    Water, bent
    The two arrows add instead of cancelling.