Multiple Choice
Which phrase best describes the molecular polarity and charge distribution in an HCl molecule?
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13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
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In the BrF molecule, which atom carries the partial negative charge (δ−)?
A
Bromine (Br)
B
Both atoms equally
C
Neither atom
D
Fluorine (F)
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of electronegativity, which is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons towards itself in a chemical bond.
Compare the electronegativity values of bromine (Br) and fluorine (F). Fluorine is the most electronegative element in the periodic table, with a higher electronegativity than bromine.
Since fluorine is more electronegative, it will attract the bonding electrons more strongly than bromine in the BrF molecule.
This unequal sharing of electrons causes fluorine to carry a partial negative charge (δ−) because it has a greater electron density around it.
Therefore, in the BrF molecule, the fluorine atom carries the partial negative charge (δ−), while bromine carries a partial positive charge (δ+).
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