Table of contents

1. Intro to General Chemistry3h 48m
2. Atoms & Elements4h 16m
3. Chemical Reactions4h 10m
4. BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
5. BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions48m
6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions3h 53m
7. Gases3h 49m
8. Thermochemistry2h 37m
9. Quantum Mechanics2h 58m
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements3h 9m
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure3h 29m
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory1h 57m
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces2h 23m
14. Solutions3h 1m
15. Chemical Kinetics2h 53m
16. Chemical Equilibrium2h 29m
17. Acid and Base Equilibrium5h 1m
18. Aqueous Equilibrium4h 47m
19. Chemical Thermodynamics1h 50m
20. Electrochemistry2h 42m
21. Nuclear Chemistry2h 36m
22. Organic Chemistry5h 7m
23. Chemistry of the Nonmetals2h 39m
24. Transition Metals and Coordination Compounds3h 16m

13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces

Molecular Polarity

General Chemistry

13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces

Molecular Polarity

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following diagrams correctly identifies the polar portion of a water (H_2O) molecule by circling it?

A diagram with the oxygen atom circled.

A diagram with the entire molecule circled.

A diagram with one hydrogen atom circled.

A diagram with both hydrogen atoms circled.

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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the molecular structure of water (H\_2O). Water consists of one oxygen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms, forming a bent shape due to the two lone pairs on oxygen.

Step 2: Recognize the concept of polarity in molecules. Polarity arises from differences in electronegativity between atoms and the shape of the molecule, leading to partial positive and negative charges.

Step 3: Identify the electronegativity difference between oxygen and hydrogen. Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, so it attracts the shared electrons more strongly, creating a partial negative charge (δ-) on oxygen and partial positive charges (δ+) on the hydrogens.

Step 4: Determine which part of the molecule is polar. Since oxygen holds the electrons more tightly, the oxygen atom carries the negative pole, making it the polar portion of the molecule.

Step 5: Conclude that the correct diagram should circle the oxygen atom to indicate the polar portion, rather than the hydrogens or the entire molecule.