QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Predict whether SO₂ and SO₃ are polar or nonpolar molecules.
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this problem step by step, following the specified LaTeX and formatting guidelines:
Step 2:: Understand the Molecular Structures
- SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) has a bent molecular geometry - SO₃ (Sulfur Trioxide) has a trigonal planar geometry
Step 3:: Determine Electronegativity Differences
- Sulfur electronegativity: $$2.58
- Oxygen electronegativity: 3.44 - The significant difference indicates polar bonds
Step 4:: Analyze SO₂ Molecular Polarity
\vec{Dipole} \neq 0
- Bent geometry with two S-O bonds - Unequal distribution of charge - Resulting in a net dipole moment - SO₂ is a POLAR molecule
Step 5:: Analyze SO₃ Molecular Polarity
\vec{Dipole} = 0
- Trigonal planar geometry - Three identical S-O bonds - Symmetrical arrangement cancels out individual bond dipoles - SO₃ is a NONPOLAR molecule
Final Answer
- SO₂: Polar molecule - SO₃: Nonpolar molecule
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