Is N2 Polar or Nonpolar? (Why? & How?)

N2 is a NONPOLAR molecule.

But why? 

And how can you say that N2 is a nonpolar molecule?

Want to know the reason?
Let’s dive into it!

N2 (or Nitrogen gas) is a NONPOLAR molecule because any two bonding atoms whose electronegativity difference value is less than 0.4 forms a nonpolar bond.
Here in N2 molecule, both the atoms are Nitrogen atoms. Because of this, the electronegativity difference of both the Nitrogen atoms (N = 3.04) is 0 (i.e 3.04 – 3.04 = 0). This  value (0) is less than 0.4, hence the N2 molecule is a nonpolar molecule.

Didn’t understand what is written above?

Let me explain this in a short and simple way (with 3D images).
You can also watch this short 2 minute video).

Why is N2 a Nonpolar molecule? (Explained!)

N2 is a nonpolar molecule because it does not have any pole of positive charge and negative charge on it. This is because both the atoms are identical (i.e both the atoms are nitrogen atoms only).

But wait, let me give you some detailed information about the nonpolar nature of N2 molecule.

The chemical bonds can be either nonpolar, polar or ionic depending on the difference of the electronegativity values (ΔEN) between the two atoms.

Have a look at the above image.

• If the electronegativity difference (ΔEN) is less than 0.4, then the bond is nonpolar covalent bond.
• If the electronegativity difference (ΔEN) is between 0.4 to 1.7, then the bond is polar covalent bond. 
• If the electronegativity difference (ΔEN) is greater than 1.7, then the bond is an ionic bond. ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]}

Now let’s come to the example of N2 molecule.

You can see the electronegativity value of Nitrogen (N) atom from the periodic table given below.

From the above image;

• Electronegativity of Nitrogen (N) = 3.04 ^[6]

So for N2, the electronegativity difference (ΔEN) = 3.04 – 3.04 = 0

This value is less than 0.4, which indicates that the bond between both the Nitrogen (N) atoms is nonpolar covalent bond.

Hence, N2 (or Nitrogen gas) is a nonpolar molecule.

How N2 becomes a Nonpolar molecule?

In a N2 molecule, there are two nitrogen atoms (N). Both these nitrogen atoms are covalently bonded with each other by sharing three electron pairs between them.

Here both the atoms are identical, so the electron pairs are equally attracted by both the nitrogen atoms.

As the electron pairs are equally attracted towards both the nitrogen atoms, there will not be any partial positive charge (ẟ+) or partial negative charge (ẟ-) on the Nitrogen atoms (N).

And as there are no positive and negative poles of charges on the N2 molecule, it is a nonpolar molecule.

I hope you have understood the reason behind the nonpolar nature of N2 (i.e nitrogen gas) molecule.

See the polarity of other molecules to make your concepts clear:
Is O2 Polar or Nonpolar?
Is SF4 Polar or Nonpolar?
Is SO3 Polar or Nonpolar?
Is PCl3 Polar or Nonpolar?
Is HCN Polar or Nonpolar?