Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the molecular polarity of the chlorite ion, ClO_2^-?
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13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
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Which of the following best describes the polarity of the molecule HCl?
A
HCl is a nonpolar molecule because it is linear and symmetric.
B
HCl is a nonpolar molecule because both atoms have similar electronegativities.
C
HCl is a polar molecule because it has a significant difference in electronegativity between H and Cl.
D
HCl is a polar molecule because it contains only nonmetals.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the concept of molecular polarity, which depends on the difference in electronegativity between atoms and the molecular geometry.
Step 2: Identify the atoms in HCl: hydrogen (H) and chlorine (Cl), and note their electronegativities. Chlorine is significantly more electronegative than hydrogen.
Step 3: Recognize that HCl is a diatomic molecule, so its shape is linear but not symmetric in terms of electronegativity distribution.
Step 4: Since there is a significant difference in electronegativity, the electrons are pulled more toward chlorine, creating a dipole moment.
Step 5: Conclude that HCl is a polar molecule because of the electronegativity difference and the resulting dipole, not because of symmetry or the presence of only nonmetals.
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