Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the polarity of the molecule SF_2?
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13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
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Which of the following best describes the polarity of the molecule HClO (hypochlorous acid)?
A
HClO is a nonpolar molecule because all the atoms have similar electronegativities.
B
HClO is nonpolar because its molecular geometry is linear and symmetric.
C
HClO is polar only when dissolved in water.
D
HClO is a polar molecule because it has an asymmetric shape and contains atoms with different electronegativities.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atoms in the molecule HClO: hydrogen (H), chlorine (Cl), and oxygen (O).
Determine the electronegativities of these atoms: oxygen is highly electronegative, chlorine is moderately electronegative, and hydrogen is less electronegative.
Analyze the molecular geometry of HClO. Since it contains different atoms bonded in a specific arrangement, the shape is not symmetric or linear in a way that would cancel dipole moments.
Recognize that the difference in electronegativities between the atoms creates dipole moments, and because the shape is asymmetric, these dipoles do not cancel out.
Conclude that due to the asymmetric shape and differences in electronegativity, HClO is a polar molecule.
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