Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the molecular polarity of SF_6 (sulfur hexafluoride)?
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13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
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Which of the following best describes the molecular polarity of ICl_3?
A
ICl_3 is a polar molecule due to its asymmetric shape and lone pairs on iodine.
B
ICl_3 is a nonpolar molecule because all dipoles cancel out.
C
ICl_3 is nonpolar because it has a linear geometry.
D
ICl_3 is polar because it contains only nonpolar bonds.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom and the number of bonded atoms and lone pairs: In ICl_3, iodine (I) is the central atom bonded to three chlorine (Cl) atoms, and iodine has two lone pairs of electrons.
Determine the electron pair geometry using VSEPR theory: With three bonded atoms and two lone pairs, the electron pair geometry around iodine is trigonal bipyramidal.
Determine the molecular shape (geometry) by considering only the positions of atoms: The presence of two lone pairs causes the molecular shape to be T-shaped, which is asymmetric.
Analyze the bond polarity: I-Cl bonds are polar due to the difference in electronegativity between iodine and chlorine atoms.
Conclude the overall molecular polarity: Because of the asymmetric T-shaped geometry and polar bonds, the dipole moments do not cancel out, making ICl_3 a polar molecule.
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