Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the polarity of the molecule NH2Cl?
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13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the molecular polarity of the chlorite ion, ClO_2^-?
A
ClO_2^- is nonpolar because it has a linear geometry.
B
ClO_2^- is polar because it contains only nonpolar bonds.
C
ClO_2^- is a nonpolar molecule because its bond dipoles cancel out.
D
ClO_2^- is a polar molecule due to its bent molecular geometry.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Determine the Lewis structure of the chlorite ion (ClO_2^-). Count the total valence electrons from chlorine, oxygen atoms, and the extra electron due to the negative charge.
Step 2: Use the Lewis structure to find the electron domain geometry around the central chlorine atom. Consider bonding pairs and lone pairs of electrons.
Step 3: Identify the molecular geometry based on the electron domain geometry and the presence of lone pairs. For ClO_2^-, this typically results in a bent shape.
Step 4: Analyze the bond dipoles. Since oxygen is more electronegative than chlorine, each Cl–O bond has a dipole moment directed toward oxygen.
Step 5: Determine the overall molecular polarity by considering the shape and the vector sum of the bond dipoles. Because the molecule is bent, the dipoles do not cancel, making ClO_2^- polar.
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