Question

is hcl a polar or nonpolar molecule? please explain in terms of electronegativity.

Answer 1

Any molecule which have a dipole moment in a specific direction is said to be polar. For a molecule to have a dipole moment, must have net opposite charges separated in opposite directions.

HCl is a linear molecule with one single covalent bond present between H and Cl atoms. Cl, being more electronegative than H, attracts shared paired of electrons towards itself and hence, generates a partial negative charge on itself and partial positive charge on H. Net dipole works from positive to negative center i.e. from H to Cl. Clearly, HCl is polar.