Chapter 13: Problem 131
Which of the following are non-polar? (1) \(\mathrm{SiF}_{4}\) (2) \(\mathrm{XeF}_{4}\) (3) \(\mathrm{SF}_{4}\) (4) \(\mathrm{BF}_{3}\) (5) \(\mathrm{NF}_{3}\) Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1,2 and 4 (b) 3,4 and 5 (c) 2,3 and 4 (d) 1,3 and 4
Short Answer
Expert verified
Option (a) 1, 2, and 4 are non-polar.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding Molecular Geometry
For each molecule, determine its molecular geometry. Molecules with symmetric geometries are non-polar if they have identical atoms attached to the central atom. Let's list molecular geometries for the provided compounds:1. \(\mathrm{SiF}_{4}\) has a tetrahedral shape.2. \(\mathrm{XeF}_{4}\) has a square planar shape.3. \(\mathrm{SF}_{4}\) has a see-saw shape.4. \(\mathrm{BF}_{3}\) has a trigonal planar shape.5. \(\mathrm{NF}_{3}\) has a trigonal pyramidal shape.
02
Identify Symmetry in Molecular Geometry
Determine which of the molecular geometries are symmetric:- \(\mathrm{SiF}_{4}\) is symmetric (tetrahedral).- \(\mathrm{XeF}_{4}\) is symmetric (square planar).- \(\mathrm{SF}_{4}\) is not symmetric (see-saw).- \(\mathrm{BF}_{3}\) is symmetric (trigonal planar).- \(\mathrm{NF}_{3}\) is not symmetric (trigonal pyramidal).Symmetric shapes with identical external atoms tend to be non-polar.
03
Analyze Electronegativity
While symmetry is a direct way to determine polarity, consider electronegativity: - \(\mathrm{SiF}_{4}\), \(\mathrm{XeF}_{4}\), and \(\mathrm{BF}_{3}\) form symmetrical structures, helping balance out dipoles and result in non-polar molecules since fluorine atoms are identical and symmetrically arranged.
04
Determine Polar or Non-Polar Nature
Based on the analysis of symmetry:- \(\mathrm{SiF}_{4}\) is non-polar due to its symmetrical tetrahedral shape with identical bonds.- \(\mathrm{XeF}_{4}\) is non-polar due to its symmetrical square planar shape, despite any lone pairs, as the opposing dipoles cancel out.- \(\mathrm{BF}_{3}\) is non-polar due to a symmetrical trigonal planar shape with identical bonds.- \(\mathrm{SF}_{4}\) does not possess symmetry and thus result is polar.- \(\mathrm{NF}_{3}\) has an asymmetrical shape making it polar. Therefore, the non-polar molecules are 1, 2, and 4.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Polarity of Molecules
The polarity of a molecule determines how it interacts with other substances. A molecule is considered polar if it has a positive end and a negative end due to an uneven distribution of electrons. This uneven distribution leads to the formation of a dipole moment, causing the molecule to react differently with electric fields and other polar substances. In contrast, non-polar molecules have an even distribution of electronic charge.
Factors affecting molecular polarity include:
- The difference in electronegativity between atoms in a bond. A large difference usually results in a polar bond.
- The molecular geometry, which can help cancel out dipoles within the molecule if it is symmetrical.
Symmetric vs Asymmetric Shapes
The symmetry of a molecule plays a crucial role in its polarity. Symmetric shapes can cause dipoles to cancel each other out, resulting in a non-polar molecule. Symmetrical molecular geometries include tetrahedral, square planar, and trigonal planar forms.In symmetric molecules:
- Identical atoms are evenly distributed around the central atom, leading to balanced forces that negate dipole moments.
- Examples include \(\mathrm{SiF}_4\), \(\mathrm{XeF}_4\), and \(\mathrm{BF}_3\).
Dipole Moments
Dipole moments give quantitative measures of the polarity of a molecule. They arise from differences in electronegativity between atoms in a molecule, creating a molecule with partial positive and negative charges.Dipole moments have several key characteristics:
- They are vectors, meaning they have both magnitude and direction, represented by a dipole arrow pointing from positive to negative charge.
- In symmetric molecules, dipole moments cancel out, leading to a net zero dipole and a non-polar characteristic.
- In asymmetric molecules, these vectors do not entirely cancel, producing a net dipole moment. This makes the molecule polar, such as in the case of \(\mathrm{NF}_3\).