Multiple Choice
Is the molecule CH3F (fluoromethane) 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 SO_3?
A
SO_3 is a nonpolar molecule.
B
SO_3 has both polar and nonpolar bonds.
C
SO_3 is ionic.
D
SO_3 is a polar molecule.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Determine the Lewis structure of SO\_3. Sulfur (S) is the central atom bonded to three oxygen (O) atoms. Draw the bonds and lone pairs to understand the molecular geometry.
Step 2: Identify the molecular geometry of SO\_3. With three regions of electron density around sulfur and no lone pairs, the shape is trigonal planar.
Step 3: Analyze the polarity of each S–O bond. Each S–O bond is polar due to the difference in electronegativity between sulfur and oxygen.
Step 4: Consider the symmetry of the molecule. Because SO\_3 is trigonal planar and symmetrical, the individual bond dipoles cancel out.
Step 5: Conclude the overall polarity. Since the bond dipoles cancel, SO\_3 is a nonpolar molecule despite having polar bonds.
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