QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Specify whether the molecule IF
5
is polar or nonpolar and explain why.
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this problem step by step, focusing on the polarity of the IF₅ molecule.
Step 2:: Determine the molecular geometry
- IF₅ is a pentagonal bipyramidal molecule - The central iodine (I) atom is surrounded by five fluorine (F) atoms - The molecular geometry is determined by VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory
Step 3:: Analyze electron configuration
- The electronic configuration suggests $$sp^{3}d^{2}$$ hybridization
- Iodine (I) is the central atom - Five fluorine (F) atoms are bonded to the central iodine
Step 4:: Examine bond symmetry
- The five fluorine atoms are arranged symmetrically around the central iodine - Each I-F bond has the same length and electronegativity difference - Fluorine is more electronegative than iodine
Step 5:: Assess molecular symmetry
- The pentagonal bipyramidal geometry is highly symmetrical - The individual bond dipoles cancel each other out due to perfect spatial arrangement
Step 6:: Determine polarity
- Despite individual I-F bonds being polar - The overall molecular geometry results in complete cancellation of dipole moments - Symmetrical arrangement leads to zero net dipole moment
Final Answer
IF₅ is a NONPOLAR molecule due to its perfectly symmetrical pentagonal bipyramidal geometry, which causes individual bond dipoles to cancel out completely.
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