Table of contents

13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces

Molecular Polarity

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the polarity of a nitrogen molecule (N_2)?

N_2 is a nonpolar molecule because it contains a lone pair of electrons.

N_2 is a polar molecule due to its linear shape.

N_2 is a nonpolar molecule because it consists of two identical atoms sharing electrons equally.

N_2 is a polar molecule because the nitrogen atoms have different electronegativities.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the concept of molecular polarity, which depends on the difference in electronegativity between atoms and the molecular geometry.

Step 2: Recognize that nitrogen molecule (N\_2) consists of two identical nitrogen atoms bonded together.

Step 3: Since both atoms are identical, they have the same electronegativity, meaning the electrons are shared equally in the bond.

Step 4: Because the electron distribution is equal and the molecule is linear and symmetrical, there is no net dipole moment.

Step 5: Conclude that N\_2 is a nonpolar molecule due to equal sharing of electrons between two identical atoms.

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