Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about polar molecules is true?
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13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about the polarity of covalent bonds is correct?
A
A covalent bond is nonpolar if the electronegativity difference is large.
B
A covalent bond is polar if the bonded atoms are identical.
C
A covalent bond is polar if the electronegativity difference between the bonded atoms is significant.
D
A covalent bond is nonpolar if the bonded atoms have different electronegativities.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of electronegativity: Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons in a chemical bond. The greater the electronegativity difference between two atoms, the more polar the bond.
Define polar and nonpolar covalent bonds: A polar covalent bond occurs when there is a significant difference in electronegativity between the two bonded atoms, causing an unequal sharing of electrons. A nonpolar covalent bond occurs when the electronegativity difference is minimal, leading to equal sharing of electrons.
Analyze the given statements: Evaluate each statement based on the definitions of polar and nonpolar covalent bonds. Consider the role of electronegativity differences in determining bond polarity.
Evaluate the first statement: 'A covalent bond is nonpolar if the electronegativity difference is large.' This is incorrect because a large electronegativity difference typically results in a polar bond, not a nonpolar one.
Evaluate the second statement: 'A covalent bond is polar if the bonded atoms are identical.' This is incorrect because identical atoms have no electronegativity difference, resulting in a nonpolar bond. The correct statement is that a covalent bond is polar if the electronegativity difference between the bonded atoms is significant.
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