Multiple Choice
In a water molecule (H_2O), which side of the molecule is more positive?
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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 NF3?
A
NF3 is a polar molecule because it has a lone pair on nitrogen and the N–F bonds are polar.
B
NF3 is nonpolar because it has a symmetrical trigonal planar geometry.
C
NF3 is polar only if all fluorine atoms are replaced by chlorine.
D
NF3 is a nonpolar molecule because the N–F bonds cancel each other's dipole moments.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Determine the Lewis structure of NF3. Nitrogen (N) is the central atom bonded to three fluorine (F) atoms, and nitrogen has one lone pair of electrons.
Step 2: Identify the molecular geometry. With three bonded atoms and one lone pair, NF3 has a trigonal pyramidal shape, not trigonal planar.
Step 3: Analyze the polarity of the N–F bonds. Since fluorine is more electronegative than nitrogen, each N–F bond is polar with a dipole moment pointing toward fluorine.
Step 4: Consider the effect of the lone pair on nitrogen. The lone pair creates an asymmetry in the molecule, causing the bond dipoles not to cancel out completely.
Step 5: Conclude the overall molecular polarity. Because of the polar N–F bonds and the lone pair's influence on molecular shape, NF3 is a polar molecule.
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