What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dipole
Example
Water is a dipole molecule because it has a partial positive charge on one end and a partial negative charge on the other. [dipole: noun]
Example
The Earth's magnetic field is a dipole with a north and south pole. [dipole: noun]
Example
The dipole moment of a molecule can be calculated by multiplying the distance between the charges by the magnitude of the charges. [dipole: noun]
polarity
Example
The polarity of water allows it to dissolve many substances. [polarity: noun]
Example
The polarity of the debate was evident in the starkly different opinions expressed by the two sides. [polarity: noun]
Example
The polarity of a molecule can be determined by calculating the difference in electronegativity between the atoms in the molecule. [polarity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Polarity is more commonly used than dipole in everyday language, as it has a broader range of applications and can be used in both scientific and non-scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dipole and polarity?
Dipole is a more technical term and is typically used in scientific or academic contexts, while polarity can be used in both formal and informal settings.
