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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the polarity of a nitrogen molecule (N_2)?
A
N_2 is a polar molecule because nitrogen is highly electronegative.
B
N_2 is a polar molecule due to its linear shape.
C
N_2 is a nonpolar molecule because it consists of two identical atoms sharing electrons equally.
D
N_2 is a nonpolar molecule because it contains a lone pair of electrons.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of molecular polarity, which depends on the difference in electronegativity between atoms and the molecular geometry. A molecule is polar if it has a net dipole moment due to uneven electron distribution.
Step 2: Analyze the nitrogen molecule (N\_2), which consists of two identical nitrogen atoms bonded together. Since both atoms are the same, they have the same electronegativity.
Step 3: Because the two nitrogen atoms have identical electronegativity, the electrons in the N\_2 bond are shared equally, resulting in no partial charges on either atom.
Step 4: Consider the shape of the molecule. N\_2 is a diatomic molecule with a linear shape, but since the atoms are identical, the shape does not create any dipole moment.
Step 5: Conclude that N\_2 is a nonpolar molecule because it consists of two identical atoms sharing electrons equally, leading to no net dipole moment.