Final answer:
A polar molecule has regions of positive and negative charges due to the uneven distribution of electrons, which invariably creates a dipole. The correct answer from the options provided is B) The molecule contains areas of positive and negative charges. Water (H₂O) is an example of a polar molecule due to the different electronegativities of oxygen and hydrogen.
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer the question, a polar molecule is characterized by having regions of positive and negative charges. This phenomenon occurs because there is an uneven distribution of the electrons within the molecule, leading to one side having a slightly positive charge and the other a slightly negative charge. Among the given options, the correct answer is B) The molecule contains areas of both positive and negative charges.
Take the example of water (H₂O), which is a well-known polar molecule. The oxygen atom has a higher electronegativity, meaning it attracts shared electrons more strongly than the hydrogen atoms do. This leads to a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom and partial positive charges on the hydrogen atoms, making water a dipole with two poles: one slightly negative and one slightly positive.
Polarity plays a crucial role in the chemical properties of molecules. It affects how molecules interact with each other and with other substances. For instance, polar water molecules are capable of forming hydrogen bonds, which are interactions between the slightly positive hydrogen atom of one water molecule and the slightly negative oxygen atom of another. The polarity of water contributes to its ability to dissolve many substances and its importance in biological systems.