Multiple Choice
Which of the following molecules contains polar covalent bonds?
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13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
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Which of the following statements about the polarity of a molecule is false?
A
The shape of a molecule can affect its overall polarity.
B
A molecule with polar bonds is always a polar molecule.
C
A nonpolar molecule can contain polar bonds.
D
Molecular polarity depends on both bond polarity and molecular geometry.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the concept of bond polarity. A bond is polar if there is a difference in electronegativity between the two atoms involved, causing a dipole moment (partial positive and negative charges).
Step 2: Recognize that molecular polarity depends not only on the presence of polar bonds but also on the shape (geometry) of the molecule, which determines how the individual bond dipoles combine or cancel out.
Step 3: Analyze the statement 'A molecule with polar bonds is always a polar molecule.' This is false because even if a molecule has polar bonds, the molecular geometry can cause the dipoles to cancel, resulting in a nonpolar molecule.
Step 4: Confirm that the other statements are true: the shape affects polarity, nonpolar molecules can have polar bonds if dipoles cancel, and overall polarity depends on both bond polarity and geometry.
Step 5: Conclude that the false statement is the one claiming that polar bonds always make a molecule polar, highlighting the importance of molecular geometry in determining overall polarity.
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