Question

what is the overall polarity of this molecule? polar nonpolar

Explanation:

The molecule shown is formaldehyde ($\ce{H2CO}$). In formaldehyde, the oxygen atom is more electronegative than carbon and hydrogen. The carbon - oxygen double bond ($\ce{C=O}$) is polar. The molecule has a trigonal planar geometry. Due to the difference in electronegativity and the asymmetric distribution of electron density (because oxygen is more electronegative and there are two hydrogen atoms attached to carbon), the molecule has a net dipole moment.

Answer:

polar