What type of molecule has a positive pole at one end and a negative charge at the other?

Prepare for the DIVE Integrated Chemistry and Physics ICP Quarterly Exam 2. Enhance your understanding with multiple choice questions, hints, and detailed explanations. Be exam ready!

The molecule that has a positive pole at one end and a negative charge at the other is best described as a polar molecule. This is because polar molecules exhibit a separation of electric charge, resulting in a dipole moment. The positive pole represents the area where there is a deficiency of electrons, while the negative pole indicates where there is an excess of electrons. This uneven distribution of charge allows polar molecules to interact with other polar substances and contribute to various chemical properties, such as solubility in water and the formation of hydrogen bonds.

A dipole specifically refers to the separation of charges within a polar molecule but does not encompass the broader classification of molecules, hence the distinction. Ions, on the other hand, are charged particles that have either lost or gained electrons, resulting in a net charge, but do not necessarily have the dual pole characteristic. Apolar molecules, in contrast, have a symmetric distribution of charge and do not have distinct positive and negative poles.

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