Which statement best describes a nonpolar molecule?

Which statement best describes a nonpolar molecule?

• A. A molecule with partial charges. Mixes with water.
• B. Molecule with no partial charges. Do not mix with water.
• C. A molecule that readily dissolves in oil.
• D. A molecule with net electrical charge.

Answer: (B)

Nonpolar molecules have an even distribution of electrons, so there are no partial charges. Without these partial charges, they don’t interact strongly with water, a polar solvent, and thus tend not to mix with water. That description—no partial charges and poor water solubility—best captures what a nonpolar molecule is. Descriptions involving partial charges or net charge point to polar or charged species, not nonpolar ones, and solubility in oil is related but not the defining feature.

Nonpolar molecules have an even distribution of electrons, so there are no partial charges. Without these partial charges, they don’t interact strongly with water, a polar solvent, and thus tend not to mix with water. That description—no partial charges and poor water solubility—best captures what a nonpolar molecule is. Descriptions involving partial charges or net charge point to polar or charged species, not nonpolar ones, and solubility in oil is related but not the defining feature.