Chapter 1: Problem 75
Which molecules are non-polar? (i) \(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\) (ii) \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) (iii) \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) (iv) \(\mathrm{CF}_{4}\) (v) \(\mathrm{Br}_{2}\) (vi) \(\mathrm{BF}_{3}\) (vii) \(\mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\) (viii) \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}\) (a) \(\mathrm{ii}, \mathrm{iv}, \mathrm{v}, \mathrm{vi}\) (b) \(\mathrm{i}, \mathrm{iv}, \mathrm{vi}\), viii (c) iii, \(\mathrm{iv}, \mathrm{v}, \mathrm{vi}\) (d) i, iii, vii, viii
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Identify Molecular Geometry
Determine Polarity Based on Geometry and Electronegativities
Select the Non-Polar Molecules Based on Analysis
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Molecular Geometry
Some common geometries include:
- Linear: This shape occurs when there are two bonding pairs and generally no lone pairs on the central atom, like in \(CO_{2}\), where it allows for the cancellation of dipoles, resulting in a non-polar molecule.
- Tetrahedral: Characteristic of molecules like \(CF_{4}\), where four bonded atoms around a central atom create a shape that often leads to non-polarity when all outer atoms are identical.
- Trigonal Planar: Involves three bonds in one plane, as seen in \(BF_{3}\), where the symmetry aids in dipole cancellation, leading to a non-polar outcome.
- Bent: Often contributes to molecular polarity, as in \(H_{2}O\), due to its unsymmetrical shape which prevents dipole cancellation.
Electronegativity
Key aspects to consider:
- High Electronegativity: Atoms with a high electronegativity, like fluorine, oxygen, and nitrogen, are more likely to pull electrons towards themselves, creating polar bonds.
- Difference in Electronegativity: The larger the difference between the electronegativities of bonded atoms, the more polar the bond. For instance, in \(NH_{3}\), nitrogen is more electronegative than hydrogen, resulting in a polar structure.
- Symmetrical Non-Polarity: When the dipoles within a molecule cancel each other out due to symmetry, the molecule can become non-polar even if it contains polar bonds, such as in \(CO_{2}\) where the linear shape leads to dipole cancellation.
Non-Polar Molecules
Key features include:
- Symmetrical Electron Distribution: When the electron distribution is even, as in \(CF_{4}\) and \(BF_{3}\), the symmetrical shape allows any dipoles to cancel out, resulting in non-polarity.
- Identical Atoms: Molecules like \(Br_{2}\) consist of identical atoms and zero electronegativity difference, making them intrinsically non-polar.
- Shape-Induced Non-Polarity: Even though a molecule may contain polar bonds, its symmetrical shape can lead to overall non-polarity, as seen in \(CO_{2}\).
Symmetrical Molecules
Importance of symmetry includes:
- Balanced Shape: In symmetric molecules like \(CF_{4}\), the tetrahedral arrangement balances out any possible dipole moments, ensuring the molecule remains non-polar.
- Dipole Cancellation: Symmetrical geometry ensures that even with polar bonds, like in \(BF_{3}\), the dipole effects negate each other, resulting in no net dipole.
- Predictability in Reactions: These molecules are often less reactive due to their non-polar nature, impacting their behavior in chemical reactions and intermolecular interactions.