Explore the Molecule Polarity Simulator
Change atom electronegativity and see bond dipoles, the net dipole and molecule polarity. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Molecule Polarity Simulator with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Molecule Polarity Simulator?
Change atom electronegativity and see bond dipoles, the net dipole and molecule polarity. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Polarity explains why water dissolves salt, why oil and water do not mix, and how soaps and drugs work.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
A bond is polar when the two atoms differ in electronegativity.
Bond dipoles are vectors: they can cancel out in a symmetric molecule like CO₂.
A bent molecule such as H₂O does not cancel, so it is polar.
Load H₂O and CO₂ and compare.
Make all electronegativities equal.
Bend the bond angle.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Chemistry learners
Chemistry students from middle school to university, teachers who need a virtual demonstration, and anyone without access to a lab.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Molecule Polarity Simulator on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Make all electronegativities equal. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
How can a molecule with polar bonds be nonpolar?
If the shape is symmetric, the bond dipoles point in opposite directions and cancel, as in linear CO₂.
What is electronegativity?
How strongly an atom pulls shared electrons toward itself. The more electronegative atom gets the partial negative charge.
Is the Molecule Polarity Simulator free to use?
Yes. The Molecule Polarity Simulator is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Chemistry group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Molecule Polarity Simulator work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Molecule Polarity Simulator takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 5 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Molecule Polarity Simulator?
1. In the Molecule Polarity Simulator, use the controls to change Electronegativity of A, Electronegativity of B (centre), Electronegativity of C, Bond angle A–B–C, Real molecules. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Molecule Polarity Simulator, pick an option such as H₂O, CO₂, Nonpolar line, NH₃-like to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Molecule Polarity Simulator, press "Reset to water (H₂O)" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Load H₂O and CO₂ and compare. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Molecule Polarity Simulator responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: A bond is polar when the two atoms differ in electronegativity.
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Try the Molecule Polarity Simulator now
Change atom electronegativity and see bond dipoles, the net dipole and molecule polarity. Free to use.
Try it free