Which term best describes a molecule that has a slight positive charge at one end and a slight negative charge at the other?

• A. Nonpolar molecule
• B. Covalent bond
• C. Ionic bond
• D. Dipole moment

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the question is asking about a molecule with a slight positive charge at one end and a slight negative charge at the other, indicating an uneven distribution of charge.
2. Recall that a nonpolar molecule has an even distribution of charge, so it does not have distinct positive and negative ends.
3. Recognize that a covalent bond is a type of chemical bond where atoms share electrons, but this term does not describe the overall charge distribution of a molecule.
4. Know that an ionic bond involves the complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in charged ions, but this does not describe a molecule with partial charges at different ends.
5. Identify that a dipole moment is the term used to describe a molecule with a separation of charge, where one end is slightly positive and the other end is slightly negative, creating a polar molecule.