Table of contents

13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces

Molecular Polarity

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the polarity of a molecule of F_2?

F_2 is a polar molecule because fluorine is highly electronegative.

F_2 is a nonpolar molecule because it consists of two identical atoms sharing electrons equally.

F_2 is a nonpolar molecule because it contains a double bond.

F_2 is a polar molecule because it has a bent molecular geometry.

Verified step by step guidance

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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