Multiple Choice
Which factor is primarily responsible for the polarity of molecules such as water (H_2O) and acetone (C_3H_6O)?
2
views
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following compounds contains a polar covalent bond?
A
O2
B
Cl2
C
HCl
D
N2
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of bond polarity: A polar covalent bond occurs when two atoms share electrons unequally due to a difference in electronegativity between them.
Compare the electronegativity values of the atoms in each compound. For example, in O\_2, Cl\_2, and N\_2, the atoms are identical, so the electronegativity difference is zero, resulting in nonpolar covalent bonds.
Examine HCl, which consists of hydrogen (H) and chlorine (Cl). Since Cl is more electronegative than H, the electrons are shared unequally, creating a polar covalent bond.
Conclude that among the given options, only HCl contains a polar covalent bond because it has atoms with different electronegativities bonded together.
Remember that molecules with identical atoms (like O\_2, Cl\_2, N\_2) have nonpolar covalent bonds due to equal sharing of electrons.
Related Videos
Related Practice
Molecular Polarity practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations