Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the polarity of the molecule NH2Cl?
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple 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.
Related Videos
Related Practice
Molecular Polarity practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations