Multiple Choice
Which statement best explains why water (H_2O) is considered a polar molecule?
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
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Which of the following best describes the molecular polarity of SCl_2?
A
SCl_2 is ionic and does not have molecular polarity.
B
SCl_2 is a nonpolar molecule.
C
SCl_2 is a polar molecule.
D
SCl_2 is amphiprotic.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the molecular geometry of SCl_2 by considering the central atom sulfur (S) and its bonding with two chlorine (Cl) atoms. Sulfur has six valence electrons, and it forms two single bonds with chlorine atoms, leaving two lone pairs on sulfur.
Determine the shape of the molecule using VSEPR theory. With two bonded atoms and two lone pairs, the electron geometry is tetrahedral, but the molecular shape is bent (angular), similar to H_2O.
Assess the polarity of the bonds. The S-Cl bonds are polar because chlorine is more electronegative than sulfur, creating bond dipoles directed towards the chlorine atoms.
Evaluate the overall molecular polarity by considering the shape and bond dipoles. Since the molecule is bent, the bond dipoles do not cancel out, resulting in a net dipole moment.
Conclude that SCl_2 is a polar molecule due to its bent shape and polar S-Cl bonds, which cause an uneven distribution of electron density.
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