Multiple Choice
Which of the following molecules is nonpolar but contains polar covalent bonds?
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13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
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How many of the following molecules are polar: BrF_3, CS_2, SF_4, SO_3?
A
3
B
4
C
1
D
2
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Determine the molecular geometry of each molecule using the VSEPR theory. This involves counting the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs around the central atom.
Step 2: Analyze the symmetry of each molecule's shape. A molecule is generally nonpolar if it is symmetrical, meaning the dipole moments cancel out; it is polar if it is asymmetrical, resulting in a net dipole moment.
Step 3: For BrF_3, identify the central atom (Br) and note that it has 3 bonded atoms and 2 lone pairs, leading to a T-shaped geometry, which is asymmetrical and thus polar.
Step 4: For CS_2, the molecule is linear with two double bonds to sulfur atoms, which are identical, making the molecule symmetrical and nonpolar.
Step 5: For SF_4, the central sulfur atom has 4 bonded fluorine atoms and 1 lone pair, resulting in a seesaw shape, which is asymmetrical and polar; for SO_3, the molecule is trigonal planar with three identical S=O bonds, symmetrical and nonpolar.
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