Define polar and non-polar solvents?

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Detailed Solution

A polar solvent is one whose molecules have a net dipole moment (i.e., separation of charge) and a non-polar solvent is one whose molecules do not have a significant dipole moment.

Solvents are liquids (or sometimes gases) that dissolve solutes. Whether a solvent is polar or non-polar depends largely on the molecular structure and charge distribution.

Characteristics

Polar solvent: Molecules have an uneven charge distribution, are capable of dipole-dipole interactions or hydrogen bonding, tend to dissolve ionic or other polar solutes.
Non-polar solvent: Molecules have a more even charge distribution (no strong poles), tend to dissolve non-polar substances (like oils or fats).

Examples and comparison

Solvent Type	Example	Common Uses
Polar	Water (H₂O), ethanol (C₂H₅OH)	Dissolving salts, sugars, polar compounds
Non-Polar	Hexane (C₆H₁₄), benzene (C₆H₆)	Dissolving oils, fats, waxes

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