Is SO2 Polar or Nonpolar?

If you look at the Lewis structure for SO2 we can see that it is not a symmetrical molecule. While the left and right sides are the same there is a lone pair of electrons on the top of the SO2 molecule.

To determine if SO2 is polar we need to look at the molecular geometry or shape of the molecule. Polarity results from an unequal sharing of valence electrons. Because the SO2 molecule is not symmetrical there is a region of unequal sharing. The bent shape means that the top (where the lone pair of electron is) less electronegative. The Oxygen atoms at the bottom of the structure are then more negative. Therefore, SO2 is a polar molecule.

[wbreslyn]

Thanks for the careful eye. The interesting thing is that elements below Period Two on the periodic table can have extended octets. That means they can hold more than eight valence electrons (like the SO2 Lewis structure in the video). So in this case we find that by having an extended octet for SO2 it results in formal charges in the molecule being closer to zero (a good thing).
- Dr. B.

[drizzy]

Straight to the point! 
Thanks doctor!

[RodolfoSoto-xsbo]

Good morning teacher, I very much appreciate your clear explanation. I am from Chile, my English is very bad. I would like to ask you about the software you used for modeling, as I am interested in using it to improve.

[matthewlin]

Why are there two double bonds? There should only be one. SO2 only has a total of 18 electrons and you have 20 there.

[TheMichelleMermaid]

Dr. B in this Lewis dot drawing, you have one too many sets of electrons on the S!
Central atom can only hold 8 yet you have 10 dots represented with double bonds on each side as well as a lone pair on top! FYI :)

[mirjanavrdoljak]

Is SO2 symetrical or asimetrical molecul?