Polarity refers to a molecule having positive and negative ends due to an uneven distribution of electrons. The polarity of a bond depends on two main factors: 1) the relative electronegativity of the bonded atoms, with more electronegative atoms attracting electrons more strongly, and 2) the spatial arrangement of bonds in the molecule, as this influences how electron pairs are pulled by other atoms. For example, the O-H bond in acetic acid has different polarity than in water due to differences in their molecular structures.

1. Structures and
Physical properties
Polarity of bonds
Prepared By:-Dr. Anjali Bhardwaj
Associate Professor
Arya College Of Pharmacy

2. Definition of Polarity
“A state or a condition of an atom or a molecule having positive and
also negative charges” or we can say that Polarity is the concept of
the separation of an electric charge leading a molecule to have a
positive and negative end. Example HCl is polar compound, you know
why?

3. Factors on which the Polarity of Bonds Depends
1) Relative Electronegativity of Participating Atoms
Since the bond polarity involves pulling of electrons towards
itself, hence a more electronegative element will be able to
attract the electrons more towards itself. As a result, the
electrons will definitely move towards the more electronegative
element. The amount of their shifting will depend upon the
relative electronegativity of the participating atoms.

4. 2) The Spatial Arrangement of Various Bonds in the Atom
The shared pair of electrons also experience pulling force
from the other bonded and non-bonded pair of
electrons. This results in different bond polarity between
same participating atoms that are present in different
molecules. For e.g. Bond Polarity of O-H bond in a water
molecule and acetic acid molecule is different. This is due
to the different spatial arrangement of various bonds in
the molecule.

5. Acetic acid Water