Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the molecular polarity of the chlorite ion, ClO_2^-?
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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 C2H2F2 (1,2-difluoroethene)?
A
C2H2F2 is always nonpolar, regardless of its structure.
B
C2H2F2 is always polar due to the presence of fluorine atoms.
C
C2H2F2 can be polar or nonpolar depending on whether the fluorine atoms are on the same or opposite sides of the double bond.
D
C2H2F2 is nonpolar because it contains only carbon and hydrogen atoms.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the molecular formula and structure: C2H2F2 (1,2-difluoroethene) has a double bond between two carbon atoms, each bonded to one hydrogen and one fluorine atom.
Understand that the molecule can have different geometric isomers (cis and trans) due to the double bond restricting rotation: in the cis isomer, the two fluorine atoms are on the same side; in the trans isomer, they are on opposite sides.
Recall that molecular polarity depends on the vector sum of bond dipoles: fluorine is highly electronegative, so C-F bonds are polar, while C-H bonds are less polar.
Analyze the cis isomer: the dipoles from the two C-F bonds are on the same side and add up, resulting in a net dipole moment, making the molecule polar.
Analyze the trans isomer: the dipoles from the two C-F bonds are on opposite sides and tend to cancel each other out, resulting in no net dipole moment, making the molecule nonpolar.
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