Question

State whether hydrocarbons are polar or non-polar compounds.

Answer 1

Part 1: Polar and non-polar compounds

1. If a compound is formed by the atoms of the elements that have significant electronegativity differences, then the more electronegative atoms pull the electron from the bond toward itself thus generating a polarity in the bonding. this type of compound is a polar compound.
2. When a compound is formed by the atoms of the same element or elements having very less electronegative differences, then the formed compound is non-polar.

Part 2: Non-polarity of covalent compounds

1. Hydrocarbons constitute $\mathrm{C}$ and $\mathrm{H}$ atoms. e.g. ${\mathrm{CH}}_4$
2. $\mathrm{C}$ and $\mathrm{H}$ have a very small difference in electronegativity between them.
3. Because of this, there is no polarity between $\mathrm{C}$ and $\mathrm{H}$. Hence they are non-polar compounds.