Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the molecular polarity of NH_3 (ammonia)?
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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 (chloromethane)?
A
CH3Cl is nonpolar because its molecular geometry cancels out all dipoles.
B
CH3Cl is polar only in the solid state.
C
CH3Cl is a polar molecule because it has a net dipole moment.
D
CH3Cl is a nonpolar molecule because all bonds are nonpolar.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Identify the molecular geometry of CH3Cl. The central atom is carbon (C) bonded to three hydrogen atoms (H) and one chlorine atom (Cl), forming a tetrahedral shape.
Step 2: Consider the electronegativities of the atoms involved. Chlorine (Cl) is more electronegative than carbon (C), and carbon is more electronegative than hydrogen (H). This difference creates polar bonds, especially the C-Cl bond.
Step 3: Analyze the bond dipoles. The C-H bonds are slightly polar but relatively nonpolar compared to the C-Cl bond, which has a significant dipole moment pointing toward the chlorine atom.
Step 4: Determine if the molecular geometry allows the dipoles to cancel out. In a tetrahedral molecule like CH3Cl, the dipole from the C-Cl bond does not get canceled by the C-H bonds because chlorine is more electronegative and positioned asymmetrically.
Step 5: Conclude that CH3Cl has a net dipole moment due to the polar C-Cl bond and the molecular geometry, making it a polar molecule.
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