Multiple Choice
Is the carbonate ion (CO_3^{2-}) considered polar or nonpolar?
1
views
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Is the molecule CoCl_2 polar or nonpolar?
A
Nonpolar
B
Polar
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Identify the central atom and the atoms bonded to it. In CoCl_2, cobalt (Co) is the central atom bonded to two chlorine (Cl) atoms.
Step 2: Determine the molecular geometry of CoCl_2. Consider the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs on the central atom. This can be done using the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory.
Step 3: Draw the Lewis structure of CoCl_2 to find the arrangement of atoms and lone pairs around the cobalt atom. This will help in predicting the shape of the molecule.
Step 4: Analyze the shape and the electronegativity difference between Co and Cl atoms. Since Cl is more electronegative than Co, the Co–Cl bonds are polar.
Step 5: Determine if the molecular geometry allows the bond dipoles to cancel out. If they do not cancel, the molecule is polar. For CoCl_2, the shape is such that the dipoles do not cancel, making the molecule polar.
Related Videos
Related Practice
Molecular Polarity practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations