Multiple Choice
In an aqueous solution, which end of the water molecule is attracted to a sodium ion (Na^+)?
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13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
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Which of the following molecules is nonpolar even though it contains polar bonds?
A
H2O
B
NH3
C
SO2
D
CO2
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand that a molecule can have polar bonds but still be nonpolar overall if the molecular geometry causes the bond dipoles to cancel out.
Step 2: Identify the molecular geometry of each molecule: H2O is bent, NH3 is trigonal pyramidal, SO2 is bent, and CO2 is linear.
Step 3: Recognize that bent and trigonal pyramidal shapes usually result in a net dipole moment because the bond dipoles do not cancel out, making the molecule polar.
Step 4: Note that CO2 has a linear geometry with two polar C=O bonds oriented 180° apart, so the dipoles cancel each other out, resulting in a nonpolar molecule.
Step 5: Conclude that despite having polar bonds, CO2 is nonpolar due to its symmetrical linear shape causing the dipole moments to cancel.
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