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Multiple Choice
Is the molecule ClF polar or nonpolar?
A
Polar
B
Nonpolar
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Draw the Lewis structure of ClF. Chlorine (Cl) and Fluorine (F) are bonded by a single bond, with each atom having three lone pairs of electrons around it.
Step 2: Determine the molecular geometry. Since ClF is a diatomic molecule, its shape is linear with only two atoms.
Step 3: Consider the electronegativity values of Cl and F. Fluorine is more electronegative than chlorine, meaning it will attract the bonding electrons more strongly.
Step 4: Analyze the dipole moment. Because the two atoms have different electronegativities, the electron density is unevenly distributed, creating a dipole moment pointing toward fluorine.
Step 5: Conclude polarity. Since there is a net dipole moment due to the difference in electronegativity and the linear shape does not cancel it out, ClF is a polar molecule.