NONPOLAR Meaning and
Definition
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Nonpolar is an adjective used to describe a chemical compound or molecule that does not possess a separation of electric charges, or a molecule in which the distribution of electron density is symmetrical. In such substances, the electrons are shared equally among atoms, resulting in a uniform distribution of charge across the molecule. Nonpolar molecules are often composed of atoms of similar electronegativity, meaning they have the same or very similar tendencies to attract electrons.
Due to the lack of separation in electric charges, nonpolar compounds are generally hydrophobic, or repelled by water. They are known to be insoluble or sparingly soluble in polar solvents. This characteristic arises from the fact that polar solvents, such as water, have molecules that possess dipoles, resulting in an uneven distribution of charge. In contrast, nonpolar compounds do not participate in significant intermolecular forces with polar solvents, causing them to remain separate rather than dissolve.
Examples of nonpolar substances include many organic compounds, such as hydrocarbons like methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), and benzene (C6H6). Additionally, noble gases like helium (He), neon (Ne), and argon (Ar) are also nonpolar due to their single-element structure and filled electron shells. Understanding the polarity of molecules is essential in various scientific fields, including chemistry, biology, and physics, as it plays a critical role in determining their physical and chemical properties, as well as their interactions with other substances.
Common Misspellings for NONPOLAR
Etymology of NONPOLAR
The word "nonpolar" is primarily made up of two elements: "non-" and "-polar".
- The prefix "non-" is derived from the Latin word "non", meaning "not" or "lack of". It is used to indicate negation or absence of something. In the case of "nonpolar", it signifies the absence of polarity.
- The word "polar" is derived from the Latin word "polus", meaning "end" or "pole". In science, specifically in the context of chemistry and physics, it refers to the property of molecules or substances having an uneven distribution of electrical charges or dipoles. A polar molecule has a positive and negative pole, resulting in unequal electron sharing.
Combining these two elements, "nonpolar" is used in chemistry to describe molecules or substances that lack polarity or do not have an uneven distribution of charges.
Similar spelling words for NONPOLAR
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