Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements correctly describes the polarity of the bonds and the overall polarity of the molecule water (H_2O)?
2
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 carbonate ion (CO_3^{2-}) considered polar or nonpolar?
A
Nonpolar, because its molecular geometry is trigonal planar and the charge is evenly distributed.
B
Polar, because it contains oxygen atoms.
C
Nonpolar, because it has a lone pair on the central atom.
D
Polar, because it has an uneven distribution of charge.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the molecular geometry of the carbonate ion (CO_3^{2-}). The carbonate ion has a central carbon atom bonded to three oxygen atoms with no lone pairs on the carbon, resulting in a trigonal planar shape.
Recall that molecular polarity depends on both the polarity of individual bonds and the overall shape of the molecule, which affects how bond dipoles combine.
Consider the symmetry of the trigonal planar geometry: the three C–O bonds are arranged evenly at 120° angles, which causes the individual bond dipoles to cancel out.
Understand that although the C–O bonds are polar due to the difference in electronegativity between carbon and oxygen, the symmetrical arrangement leads to an even distribution of charge across the molecule.
Conclude that because of this symmetrical shape and even charge distribution, the carbonate ion is nonpolar overall.
Related Videos
Related Practice
Molecular Polarity practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations