Multiple Choice
Is the molecule H2Se 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 the molecule CoCl_2?
A
CoCl_2 is amphiprotic.
B
CoCl_2 is ionic and does not have molecular polarity.
C
CoCl_2 is a polar molecule.
D
CoCl_2 is a nonpolar molecule.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the type of bonding in CoCl_2 by considering the elements involved: cobalt (Co) is a metal and chlorine (Cl) is a nonmetal, which typically forms ionic bonds.
Recognize that CoCl_2 is an ionic compound composed of Co^{2+} cations and Cl^{-} anions, so it does not exist as discrete molecules with molecular polarity in the usual sense.
Understand that molecular polarity refers to the uneven distribution of electron density in covalently bonded molecules, which is not applicable to ionic compounds like CoCl_2.
Note that the term 'amphiprotic' refers to species that can both donate and accept protons (H^+), which is unrelated to CoCl_2's chemical nature.
Conclude that the best description is that CoCl_2 is ionic and does not have molecular polarity, rather than being polar or nonpolar as a molecule.
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