Question
Why is CH 4 nonpolar whereas CH 3 Cl is polar?
Answers
DrBob222
CH4 is symmetrical; CH3Cl is not. Look up the 3D shape of each. CH4 is tetrahedral in shape so each of the polarities of each of the C-H bonds cancel each other. With CH3Cl; however, You have 3 C-H bond at tetrahedral angles but the C-Cl bond, more polar than the C-H bond, occupies the fourth apex of the tetrahedron and the CH3Cl is not canceled out as in CH4 so CH3Cl is polar.