Two things must be true to have a polar substance.
a. There must be a difference in polarity between the central atom and the other atoms (or for a diatomic material there must be a difference between the two atoms) AND
b. The molecule must NOT be symmetrical (in a three dimensional sense).
Unless BOTH a and b are true, the molecule will not be polar.
For example, CF4 is not polar(a is true but CF4 is symmetrical).
HF is polar, CO2 is not polar. CHF3 is polar.
how to know clarify if the subtance is polar or nonpolar?
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