Multiple Choice
How many of the following molecules are polar: BrF_3, CS_2, SiF_4, SO_3?
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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 SF_2?
A
SF_2 is nonpolar due to its linear geometry.
B
SF_2 is polar only in the gas phase.
C
SF_2 is a nonpolar molecule because the S–F bonds cancel each other's dipole moments.
D
SF_2 is a polar molecule because it has a bent shape and unequal sharing of electrons.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom and the surrounding atoms in the molecule SF_2. Sulfur (S) is the central atom bonded to two fluorine (F) atoms.
Determine the electron domain geometry around the sulfur atom by considering both bonding pairs and lone pairs of electrons. Sulfur has two bonding pairs (with fluorine) and two lone pairs, leading to a bent molecular shape.
Recall that the shape of the molecule affects the overall polarity. A bent shape means the bond dipoles do not cancel out because they are not arranged linearly.
Consider the electronegativity difference between sulfur and fluorine. Fluorine is more electronegative, so the S–F bonds are polar with dipole moments pointing toward the fluorine atoms.
Combine the bent shape and polar bonds to conclude that the dipole moments do not cancel, making SF_2 a polar molecule with an overall dipole moment.
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