Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the polarity of the molecule SO_2?
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13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
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Which of the following best describes the molecular polarity of SF_4?
A
SF_4 is amphiprotic.
B
SF_4 is ionic.
C
SF_4 is a nonpolar molecule.
D
SF_4 is a polar molecule.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Determine the Lewis structure of SF_4. Sulfur (S) is the central atom bonded to four fluorine (F) atoms. Sulfur has 6 valence electrons, and each fluorine has 7 valence electrons. Total valence electrons = 6 + 4×7 = 34 electrons.
Step 2: Arrange the electrons to satisfy the octet rule for fluorine atoms and place remaining electrons on sulfur. SF_4 has one lone pair on sulfur, resulting in a seesaw molecular geometry according to VSEPR theory.
Step 3: Analyze the molecular geometry. The seesaw shape is derived from a trigonal bipyramidal electron geometry with one equatorial position occupied by a lone pair, causing asymmetry in the molecule.
Step 4: Consider the electronegativity difference between sulfur and fluorine. Fluorine is more electronegative, so the S–F bonds are polar, and due to the asymmetrical shape, the dipole moments do not cancel out.
Step 5: Conclude that SF_4 is a polar molecule because it has polar bonds arranged in a non-symmetrical geometry, resulting in a net dipole moment.
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