Final answer:
Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol (IPA), is polar because it contains a hydroxyl group (-OH) that causes a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom and partial positive charges on the carbon and hydrogen atoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol (IPA), is polar.
Isopropyl alcohol has a molecular structure that contains a hydroxyl group (-OH), which makes it polar. The oxygen atom in the hydroxyl group is more electronegative than the carbon and hydrogen atoms, causing a partial negative charge on the oxygen and partial positive charges on the carbon and hydrogen atoms.
This polarity allows rubbing alcohol to dissolve polar substances like water and other polar solvents, making it useful as a disinfectant and cleaning agent.