Multiple Choice
How many of the following molecules are polar? CO2, H2O, BF3, NH3
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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 CH3Cl?
A
CH3Cl is a polar molecule because the C–Cl bond is polar and the molecular geometry does not cancel the dipole.
B
CH3Cl is a polar molecule because it contains only hydrogen atoms.
C
CH3Cl is a nonpolar molecule because its tetrahedral geometry cancels out all dipoles.
D
CH3Cl is a nonpolar molecule because all the bonds are nonpolar.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the molecular structure of CH3Cl. It has a central carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms and one chlorine atom, forming a tetrahedral geometry.
Determine the polarity of each bond by comparing the electronegativities of the atoms involved. The C–H bonds are considered nonpolar or only slightly polar, while the C–Cl bond is polar because chlorine is more electronegative than carbon.
Analyze the molecular geometry to see if the individual bond dipoles cancel out. Since the molecule is tetrahedral but has different atoms attached (H and Cl), the dipoles do not cancel completely.
Conclude that the molecule has a net dipole moment due to the polar C–Cl bond and the asymmetrical distribution of atoms, making CH3Cl a polar molecule.
Review the answer choices and select the one that correctly states that CH3Cl is polar because of the polar C–Cl bond and the molecular geometry that does not cancel the dipole.
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