Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the molecular polarity of the ion ICl_4^-?
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13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
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Which of the following molecules is polar?
A
CCl_4
B
CH_4
C
CO_2
D
NH_3
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the concept of molecular polarity. A molecule is polar if it has a net dipole moment, which occurs when there is an uneven distribution of electron density due to differences in electronegativity and an asymmetrical shape.
Step 2: Analyze the molecular geometry and electronegativity differences for each molecule. For example, CCl_4 and CH_4 both have a tetrahedral shape with symmetrical distribution of bonds, which usually leads to nonpolar molecules despite polar bonds.
Step 3: Consider CO_2, which is a linear molecule with two polar C=O bonds pointing in opposite directions, canceling each other's dipole moments, resulting in a nonpolar molecule.
Step 4: Examine NH_3 (ammonia), which has a trigonal pyramidal shape due to a lone pair on nitrogen. This asymmetry causes the dipole moments of the N-H bonds not to cancel out, making NH_3 a polar molecule.
Step 5: Conclude that among the given molecules, NH_3 is polar because of its molecular geometry and the presence of a lone pair creating an uneven charge distribution.
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