cancellation
What cancellation means in Chemistry A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of cancellation
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain cancellation in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
If the polar bonds point symmetrically outwards, their dipoles cancel and the molecule is non-polar overall despite its polar bonds.
Topics that use cancellation
- Bond polarity (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- cancelling dipoles
- justifying with electronegativity
- partial charge labelling
- permanent dipole
- ranking polarity
- bond dipole
- vector addition
Using cancellation in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
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