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8.4 Polar Bonds and

Molecules
Essential Understanding
A chemical bond’s character is related to each atom’s attraction for
the electrons in the bond.

Lesson Summary
Bond Polarity In a polar covalent bond, the electrons are shared unequally.
A difference in electronegativity causes a molecule to have a slightly positive and a
slightly negative end.

Attractions Between Molecules Several different forces cause attraction between

molecules.
If polar bonds within a molecule cancel out, the molecule itself is nonpolar.
Dipole interactions occur between polar molecules.
Moving electrons cause weak attractions called dispersion forces.
A hydrogen bond is a strong dipole interaction between water and another molecule.

Intermolecular Attractions and Molecular Properties Varying intermolecular

attractions cause a diversity of physical properties in covalent compounds.
Molecular compounds have lower melting and boiling points than ionic compounds.
A solid in which all atoms are covalently bonded is a very stable substance called a
network solid.

BUILD Math Skills

Absolute Value The absolute value of an integer is its numerical value without regard
to whether the sign is negative or positive.
The symbol for absolute value is to enclose the number between vertical bars such as
|−3| = 3, and is read “the absolute value of negative 3 is 3.”
On a number line the absolute value is the distance between
the number and zero.

Both 3 and −3 are a distance of 3 units from 0. |3| = |−3| = 3.

Distance, in mathematics, is never negative. This is why absolute
value is never negative; absolute value only asks how far? not in
which direction? This means not only that |3| = 3, because 3 is
three units to the right of zero, but also that |−3| = 3, because −3
is three units to the left of zero.

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Sample Problem Simplify −|−3|.

First, simplify | −3|. −|−3| = −|3|

Now remove the absolute value −|−3| = − 3

bars.

Sample Problem Simplify |2 + 3(−4)|.

Follow the order of operations. |2 + 3(−4)| = |2 − 12|

First, multiply 3 x −4.

Now subtract. |2 + 3(−4)| = |2 − 12| = |−10|

Finally, remove the absolute value

bars.
|2 + 3(−4)| = |2 − 12| = |−10| = 10

Now it’s your turn to practice simplifying absolute values. Remember to do the order of
operations in the correct sequence.

1. Simplify 1 − |−1|. 4. Simplify −|(−2)2|.

2. Simplify |0 − 6|. 5. Simplify .

3. Simplify |8| + |−4|. 6. Simplify −8 + |−7|.

After reading Lesson 8.4, answer the following questions.

Bond Polarity
7. Describe how electrons are shared in each type of bond. Write equally or unequally.
a. Nonpolar bond b. Polar bond
8. Why does the chlorine atom in hydrogen chloride acquire a slightly negative charge?

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9. What symbols are used to represent the charges on atoms in a polar covalent bond?
The polarity of the bond?

Match the electronegativity difference range with the type of bond that will form.

10. 0.0−0.4
a. ionic
11. 0.4−1.0
b. nonpolar covalent
12. 1.0−2.0
c. very polar covalent
13. > 2.0
d. moderately polar covalent

14. Circle the letter of each sentence that is true about polar molecules.
a. Some regions of a polar molecule are slightly negative and some are slightly positive.
b. A molecule containing a polar bond is always polar.
c. A molecule that has two poles is called a dipolar molecule.
d. When polar molecules are placed in an electric field, they all line up with the same
orientation in relation to the charged plates.
15. Are the following molecules polar or nonpolar?
a. H2O c. NH3
b. CO2 d. HCl

Attraction Between Molecules

16. What causes dispersion forces?

17. Is the following sentence true or false? Dispersion forces generally increase in strength as
the number of electrons in a molecule increases.
18. The strongest of the intermolecular forces are .

Intermolecular Attractions and Molecular Properties

19. What determines the physical properties of a compound?

20. Use Table 8.5 on page 245 to complete the following table.

Characteristic Ionic Compound Covalent Compound

Representative unit
Physical state
Melting point
Solubility in water
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Guided Practice Problem

Answer the following questions about Practice Problem 30.
Identify the bonds between atoms of each pair of elements as nonpolar covalent, moderately
polar covalent, very polar covalent, or ionic.
a. H and Br c. C and O e. Li and O
b. K and Cl d. Cl and F f. Br and Br

Analyze
Step 1. What is the most probable type of bond for each electronegativity difference range?
Electronegativity Difference Range Most Probable Type of Bond
0.0−0.4
0.4−1.0
1.0−2.0
≥ 2.0

Solve
Step 2. From Table 6.2, determine the electronegativity values and differences for each
pair of elements.
a. H = 2.1, Br = ; d. Cl = 3.0, F = ;
b. K = , Cl = 3.0; e. Li = , O = 3.5;
c. C = , O = 3.5; f. Br = 2.8, Br = ;

Step 3. Refer to Table 8.3 to determine the most probable type of bond for each compound.
a. d.
b. e.
c. f.

Fill in the chart for each compound.

C2H4 N2 CCl4

type of bond

dot diagram

3-D structure

type of bond
based on polarity
high or low
boiling point
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8 Self-Check Activity
For Questions 1–12, complete each statement by writing the correct word or words.
If you need help, you can go online.

8.1 Molecular Compounds

1. The number of of each element is shown in the molecular formula.
2. A is the representative unit of a molecular compound, while for
an ionic compound, it is a .

8.2 The Nature of Covalent Bonding

3. In covalent bonds, electrons are shared in such a way that the configuration is the same
as a .
4. A single atom provides the shared electron pair in a covalent
bond.
5. A covalent bond has a large bond dissociation energy.
6. The resonance forms of ozone show the extremes that make up the
bonding of oxygen atoms.

8.3 Bonding Theories

7. A orbital is one that belongs to a molecule as a whole.
8. The theory is used by scientists to explain the three-dimensional
shape of molecules.
9. Information about both molecular bonding and molecular shape is provided by
.

8.4 Polar Bonds and Molecules

10. A slightly negative charge is found on the more atom when two
atoms bond.
11. Ionic and covalent bonds are both than intermolecular attractions.
12. The variance in attractions explains the diversity of physical
properties among covalent compounds.

If You Have Trouble With…

Question 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

See Page 215 216 218 224 228 229 232 234 236 240 242 244

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Review Vocabulary
Use the clues to find the vocabulary words hidden in the puzzle. Then circle the words. The
terms may be appear horizonatally, vertically, or diagonally.

Clues Hidden Words

1. name given to a group of weak intermolecular attractions
2. a substance with a high melting point in which all the
atoms are covalently bonded
3. two or more valid electron dot structures with the same
number of electron pairs for the same molecule or ion
4. a group of tightly bound atoms that act as a group with
either a positive or negative overall charge
5. F2 and O2 are examples
6. the energy required to break the bond between two
covalently bonded atoms
7. electrons are found in dumbbell-shaped regions above and
below the axis of the bonding atoms
8. when electrons are found in an orbital that is symmetrical
around the axis of the bonded atoms
9. a molecule that has two poles

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