Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the best method to determine whether a molecule is polar?
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13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
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Which of the following is a nonpolar molecule that contains polar bonds?
A
H_2O
B
NH_3
C
CO_2
D
CH_3Cl
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the polarity of each bond in the molecules by considering the electronegativity difference between the atoms. Polar bonds occur when there is a significant difference in electronegativity, causing a dipole moment.
Analyze the molecular geometry of each molecule to determine the overall molecular polarity. Even if a molecule has polar bonds, the shape can cause the dipoles to cancel out, resulting in a nonpolar molecule.
For H_2O, note that it has polar O-H bonds and a bent shape, which leads to a net dipole moment, making it polar overall.
For NH_3, observe that it has polar N-H bonds and a trigonal pyramidal shape, which also results in a net dipole moment, so it is polar.
For CO_2, recognize that it has polar C=O bonds but a linear shape, causing the dipoles to cancel each other out, making the molecule nonpolar despite having polar bonds.
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