Polar molecules
Examples of household polar molecules include table salt, ammonia and sugar (glucose). Polar molecules are generally able to dissolve in water (hydrophilic) due to the polar nature of water - like dissolves like. Polar molecules have slightly positive and slightly negatively charged ends.
Non-polar molecules
Examples of household non-polar compounds include fats, oil and petrol. Most non-polar molecules are water insoluable (hydrophobic) at room temperature. However many non-polar organic solvents, such as turpentine, are able to dissolve non-polar substances - like dissolves like.
When comparing a polar and nonpolar molecule with similiar molar mass, the polar one generally has a higher boiling point.
Predicting Polar and Nonpolar Molecules
Formula Description Example
Polar : AB Linear Molecules (CO)
HAx Molecules with a single H ( HCl )
AxOH Molecules with an OH at one end (C2H5OH )
OxAy Molecules with an O at one end ( H2O)
NxAy Molecules with an N at one end (NH3)
Nonpolar[ Ax All elements(O2 )
CxAy Most carbon compounds( CO2)