QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Complete the paragraph to describe the characteristics of a silicon tetrahydride molecule (SiH4). The Lewis structure and table of electronegativities are given.
The bond polarities of SiH^4 are ______, the molecular shape is ______, and the molecule is ______.
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this systematically, focusing on molecular structure and polarity analysis.
Step 2:: Analyze Electronegativity Differences
- Electronegativity difference: $$|2.20 - 1.90| = 0.30
- Silicon (Si) electronegativity: 1.90 - Hydrogen (H) electronegativity: 2.20
Step 3:: Determine Bond Polarity
- Since the electronegativity difference is small (< 0.5), the Si-H bonds are considered slightly polar - Hydrogen is more electronegative, so it will have a slight negative charge - Bonds are considered "polar covalent"
Step 4:: Molecular Geometry
- SiH^4 has a tetrahedral molecular geometry - Central silicon atom is bonded to 4 hydrogen atoms symmetrically - Molecular shape: Tetrahedral
Step 5:: Molecular Polarity
- Despite polar bonds, the symmetrical tetrahedral arrangement results in complete cancellation of bond dipoles - Net molecular polarity: Zero (non-polar molecule)
Final Answer
- Bond polarities: slightly polar - Molecular shape: tetrahedral - Molecule polarity: non-polar
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