3.5.1.0: Molecular Shape and Polarity (Problems)

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PROBLEM \(\PageIndex{1}\)

Explain how a molecule that contains polar bonds can be nonpolar.

Answer: As long as the polar bonds are compensated (for example. two identical atoms are found directly across the central atom from one another), the molecule can be nonpolar.

PROBLEM \(\PageIndex{2}\)

Which of the following molecules and ions contain polar bonds? Which of these molecules and ions have dipole moments?

a. ClF₅
b. \(\ce{ClO2-}\)
c. \(\ce{TeCl4^2-}\)
d. PCl₃
e. SeF₄
f. \(\ce{PH2-}\)
g. XeF₂

Answer: All of these molecules and ions contain polar bonds. Only ClF₅, \(\ce{ClO2-}\), PCl₃, SeF₄, and \(\ce{PH2-}\) have dipole moments.

PROBLEM \(\PageIndex{3}\)

Which of the following molecules have dipole moments?

a. CS₂
b. SeS₂
c. CCl₂F₂
d. PCl₃ (P is the central atom)
e. ClNO (N is the central atom)

Answer: SeS₂, CCl₂F₂, PCl₃, and ClNO all have dipole moments.

PROBLEM \(\PageIndex{4}\)

The molecule XF₃ has a dipole moment. Is X boron or phosphorus?

Answer: P

PROBLEM \(\PageIndex{5}\)

The molecule XCl₂ has a dipole moment. Is X beryllium or sulfur?

Answer: S

PROBLEM \(\PageIndex{6}\)

Is the Cl₂BBCl₂ molecule polar or nonpolar?

Answer: nonpolar

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Contributors and Attributions

Paul Flowers (University of North Carolina - Pembroke), Klaus Theopold (University of Delaware) and Richard Langley (Stephen F. Austin State University) with contributing authors. Textbook content produced by OpenStax College is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 license. Download for free at http://cnx.org/contents/85abf193-2bd...a7ac8df6@9.110).
Adelaide Clark, Oregon Institute of Technology

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