Polar

Name:
Polar
Detailed information:
Descriptive of a molecule in which the positive and negative electrical charges are permanently separated, as opposed to nonpolar molecules in which the charges coincide. Polar molecules ionize in solution and impart electrical conductivity. Water, alcohol, and sulfuric acid are polar in nature; most hydrocarbon liquids are not. Carboxyl and hydroxyl groups often exhibit an electric charge. The formation of emulsions and the action of detergents are dependent on this behavior.See dipole moment.