Multiple Choice
Which of the following molecules has a net dipole moment of zero?
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
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Which of the following best describes the polarity of the molecule GeH4?
A
GeH4 is a nonpolar molecule because it contains only nonpolar bonds.
B
GeH4 is a nonpolar molecule because its tetrahedral geometry leads to an even distribution of charge.
C
GeH4 is a polar molecule because germanium is more electronegative than hydrogen.
D
GeH4 is a polar molecule due to the presence of lone pairs on germanium.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Identify the molecular geometry of GeH4. Germanium (Ge) is the central atom bonded to four hydrogen (H) atoms. Since there are four bonding pairs and no lone pairs on Ge, the molecular geometry is tetrahedral.
Step 2: Determine the polarity of each Ge-H bond by comparing electronegativities. Germanium has an electronegativity of about 2.01, and hydrogen has an electronegativity of about 2.20, so the Ge-H bonds are slightly polar with hydrogen being slightly more electronegative.
Step 3: Analyze the symmetry of the molecule. In a tetrahedral geometry, the four Ge-H bonds are symmetrically arranged around the central atom, which means the individual bond dipoles cancel each other out.
Step 4: Conclude the overall molecular polarity. Because the bond dipoles cancel due to the symmetrical tetrahedral shape, the molecule as a whole is nonpolar despite having polar bonds.
Step 5: Verify the presence or absence of lone pairs on the central atom. Since GeH4 has no lone pairs on germanium, there is no asymmetry introduced by lone pairs that could cause polarity.
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