Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the polarity of the molecule NOCl?
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
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Which one of the following molecules is nonpolar?
A
CO_2
B
H_2O
C
NH_3
D
SO_2
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand that molecular polarity depends on both the polarity of individual bonds and the geometry of the molecule. A molecule is nonpolar if the bond dipoles cancel out due to its symmetrical shape.
Step 2: Analyze the molecular geometry of each molecule using VSEPR theory: CO_2 is linear, H_2O is bent, NH_3 is trigonal pyramidal, and SO_2 is bent.
Step 3: Consider the electronegativity differences in each molecule's bonds to determine if the bonds are polar. For example, C=O bonds in CO_2 are polar, O-H bonds in H_2O are polar, N-H bonds in NH_3 are polar, and S=O bonds in SO_2 are polar.
Step 4: Evaluate how the molecular geometry affects the overall dipole moment. In CO_2, the linear shape causes the two polar C=O bonds to be directly opposite and cancel each other out, resulting in a nonpolar molecule.
Step 5: Conclude that molecules like H_2O, NH_3, and SO_2 have bent or pyramidal shapes causing an uneven distribution of charge, making them polar, while CO_2 is nonpolar due to its linear and symmetrical shape.
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