Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the polarity of the molecule CoCl_2?
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13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
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Is the carbonate ion (CO_3^{2-}) considered polar or nonpolar?
A
Polar
B
Nonpolar
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Identify the molecular geometry of the carbonate ion (CO_3^{2-}). The carbonate ion has a central carbon atom bonded to three oxygen atoms with resonance structures, and it carries a -2 charge overall.
Step 2: Determine the electron domain geometry around the central carbon atom. Since there are three regions of electron density (three oxygen atoms) and no lone pairs on carbon, the geometry is trigonal planar.
Step 3: Analyze the symmetry of the molecule. In a trigonal planar geometry with identical atoms bonded symmetrically, the dipole moments of the individual C–O bonds cancel out due to their equal magnitude and 120° separation.
Step 4: Conclude the polarity based on the dipole moment. Because the dipole moments cancel, the carbonate ion has no net dipole moment, making it nonpolar.
Step 5: Summarize that despite the polar C–O bonds, the overall molecular shape and symmetry result in a nonpolar molecule.
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