Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the molecular polarity of XeF_4?
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13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
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Which of the following best describes the polarity of carbon disulfide (CS_2)?
A
CS_2 is a nonpolar molecule because its linear geometry causes the dipole moments to cancel.
B
CS_2 is a polar molecule due to its bent molecular geometry.
C
CS_2 is a polar molecule because the C–S bonds are polar and do not cancel.
D
CS_2 is a nonpolar molecule because sulfur and carbon have identical electronegativities.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Determine the molecular geometry of carbon disulfide (CS_2). Carbon disulfide has a central carbon atom bonded to two sulfur atoms. Since there are two regions of electron density and no lone pairs on the central atom, the molecular geometry is linear.
Step 2: Analyze the polarity of the individual bonds. Consider the electronegativities of carbon and sulfur atoms. Although the C–S bonds have some difference in electronegativity, they are relatively similar, making the bonds only slightly polar.
Step 3: Evaluate the overall molecular polarity by considering the vector sum of the bond dipoles. In a linear molecule like CS_2, the two bond dipoles are equal in magnitude but point in opposite directions, so they cancel each other out.
Step 4: Conclude the polarity of the molecule. Since the dipole moments cancel due to the linear geometry, the molecule has no net dipole moment and is therefore nonpolar.
Step 5: Review the answer choices in light of this analysis. The correct description is that CS_2 is a nonpolar molecule because its linear geometry causes the dipole moments to cancel.
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