How do you figure out if a molecule is polar or non-polar?

Answer 1

Find out what the molecules shape is. VSEPR (AXE theory) will help. Look up the electronegativity of the elements that are bonding. Draw the little charges delta +, delta -) the more electronegative element is slightly negatively charged. Then look to see if the "dipoles" on the bonds cancel each other out. If they do its non polar even if the individual bonds are polar. (e.g. CCl4) if they don't its polar, e.g. water.

Answer 2

To determine if a molecule is polar or non-polar, you need to consider the molecule's symmetry and the electronegativity of its atoms. If the molecule has a symmetrical distribution of charge and the electronegativity of its atoms is similar, it is likely non-polar. In contrast, if the molecule has an uneven distribution of charge and the atoms have significantly different electronegativities, it is likely polar.