Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the molecular polarity of NF3?
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
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Which of the following best describes the molecular polarity of SF_6?
A
SF_6 is a polar molecule because it contains six polar S–F bonds.
B
SF_6 is a polar molecule because the sulfur atom is more electronegative than fluorine.
C
SF_6 is a nonpolar molecule because it contains only nonpolar bonds.
D
SF_6 is a nonpolar molecule because its symmetrical octahedral geometry causes the dipole moments to cancel.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Identify the molecular geometry of SF_6. Sulfur hexafluoride (SF_6) has six fluorine atoms bonded to a central sulfur atom, which results in an octahedral geometry due to six regions of electron density around sulfur.
Step 2: Understand the polarity of individual bonds. Each S–F bond is polar because fluorine is more electronegative than sulfur, creating a dipole moment pointing from sulfur to fluorine.
Step 3: Analyze the symmetry of the molecule. In an octahedral geometry, the six polar bonds are arranged symmetrically around the central atom, with bond dipoles pointing in opposite directions.
Step 4: Determine the net dipole moment. Because of the symmetrical arrangement, the individual bond dipoles cancel each other out, resulting in no overall dipole moment for the molecule.
Step 5: Conclude the molecular polarity. Despite having polar bonds, SF_6 is a nonpolar molecule due to its symmetrical octahedral shape causing the dipole moments to cancel.
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