Multiple Choice
Is the molecule selenium tetrafluoride (SeF_4) polar or nonpolar?
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
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Is the molecule PCl_3 polar or nonpolar?
A
It is ionic, not covalent
B
Nonpolar
C
Polar
D
It depends on the temperature
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the molecular geometry of PCl\_3. Phosphorus trichloride (PCl\_3) has a central phosphorus atom bonded to three chlorine atoms and one lone pair on phosphorus.
Determine the shape of the molecule using VSEPR theory. With three bonded atoms and one lone pair, the shape is trigonal pyramidal.
Consider the electronegativity difference between phosphorus and chlorine. Chlorine is more electronegative than phosphorus, so each P–Cl bond is polar.
Analyze the symmetry of the molecule. Because of the lone pair, the molecule is asymmetrical, so the bond dipoles do not cancel out.
Conclude that due to the polar bonds and the asymmetrical shape, PCl\_3 is a polar molecule.
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