Multiple Choice
Is the molecule CoCl_2 polar or nonpolar?
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13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
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Which of the following best describes the polarity of a molecule of F_2?
A
F_2 is a polar molecule because fluorine is highly electronegative.
B
F_2 is a nonpolar molecule because it consists of two identical atoms sharing electrons equally.
C
F_2 is a nonpolar molecule because it contains a double bond.
D
F_2 is a polar molecule because it has a bent molecular geometry.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the concept of molecular polarity, which depends on the difference in electronegativity between atoms and the molecular geometry.
Step 2: Recognize that F_2 consists of two identical fluorine atoms bonded together, meaning both atoms have the same electronegativity.
Step 3: Since the atoms are identical, the electrons in the F-F bond are shared equally, resulting in no partial charges on either atom.
Step 4: Consider the molecular geometry of F_2, which is linear (a diatomic molecule), so there is no asymmetry to create a dipole moment.
Step 5: Conclude that because of equal sharing of electrons and symmetrical geometry, F_2 is a nonpolar molecule.
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