Multiple Choice
How many of the following molecules are polar: PCl_5, COS, XeO_3, SeBr_2?
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13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
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Which of the following best describes the polarity of the molecule BeI2?
A
BeI2 is a polar molecule.
B
BeI2 has both polar and nonpolar bonds.
C
BeI2 is a nonpolar molecule.
D
BeI2 is ionic and therefore polar.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Determine the molecular geometry of BeI2. Beryllium typically forms two bonds and has no lone pairs, so BeI2 adopts a linear shape.
Step 2: Identify the polarity of each Be–I bond. Since iodine is more electronegative than beryllium, each Be–I bond is polar with a dipole pointing toward iodine.
Step 3: Analyze the symmetry of the molecule. Because BeI2 is linear and the two Be–I bonds are opposite each other, the bond dipoles are equal in magnitude but point in opposite directions.
Step 4: Consider the vector sum of the bond dipoles. Due to the linear geometry and equal bond polarity, the dipoles cancel each other out, resulting in no net dipole moment.
Step 5: Conclude the overall polarity of BeI2. Despite having polar bonds, the molecule is nonpolar because the bond dipoles cancel, making BeI2 a nonpolar molecule.
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