Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the molecular polarity of SO_3?
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13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
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Is the molecule CH_4 (methane) polar or nonpolar?
A
CH_4 is a nonpolar molecule due to its symmetrical tetrahedral shape.
B
CH_4 is nonpolar because it is a gas at room temperature.
C
CH_4 is a polar molecule because it has polar bonds.
D
CH_4 is polar because it contains hydrogen atoms.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the molecular geometry of CH_4 (methane). Methane has a central carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms, forming a tetrahedral shape.
Determine the polarity of each C-H bond. Consider the electronegativity difference between carbon and hydrogen to assess if the bonds are polar or nonpolar.
Analyze the symmetry of the molecule. Since methane has a tetrahedral shape with identical bonds arranged symmetrically, the bond dipoles cancel out.
Conclude the overall molecular polarity. Because the dipoles cancel due to symmetry, methane is a nonpolar molecule despite having polar bonds.
Clarify that the physical state (gas at room temperature) or presence of hydrogen atoms alone does not determine molecular polarity.
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