Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the polarity of the molecule GeH4?
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
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Which factor is primarily responsible for the polarity of molecules such as water (H_2O) and acetone (C_3H_6O)?
A
The presence of atoms with different electronegativities creating polar bonds
B
All atoms in the molecules are nonpolar
C
The molecules have a linear geometry
D
The molecules contain only single bonds
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that molecular polarity arises from differences in electronegativity between atoms, which create polar covalent bonds where electrons are shared unequally.
Recognize that in molecules like water (H\_2O) and acetone (C\_3H\_6O), atoms such as oxygen have higher electronegativity compared to hydrogen or carbon, leading to polar bonds.
Consider the molecular geometry: the shape of the molecule affects how these polar bonds add up vectorially to produce an overall molecular dipole moment.
Note that linear geometry often leads to nonpolar molecules if the polar bonds are symmetrically arranged and cancel out, which is not the case for water or acetone.
Conclude that the primary factor responsible for the polarity of these molecules is the presence of atoms with different electronegativities creating polar bonds, rather than just the presence of single bonds or molecular shape alone.
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