QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
What makes a molecule polar?
A. Nonpolar covalent bonds within the molecule that cancel out
B. Ionic bonds between atoms of different electronegativities
C. Bonds between atoms of the same electronegativity
D. Polar covalent bonds within the molecule that are not symmetric
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this problem step by step, focusing on the key concepts of molecular polarity:
Step 2:: Understanding Molecular Polarity
Molecular polarity depends on the distribution of electrical charge within a molecule. This is primarily determined by the electronegativity differences between atoms and the molecular geometry.
Step 3:: Analyzing Bond Polarity
- The less electronegative atom becomes slightly positive ($$\delta^{+}$$)
- Polar covalent bonds occur when there is an unequal sharing of electrons between atoms - This happens when atoms have different electronegativities
Step 4:: Molecular Symmetry
The key to molecular polarity is whether the polar bonds cancel out: - If polar bonds are symmetrically arranged, they can cancel each other - If polar bonds are asymmetrically arranged, the molecule remains polar
Step 5:: Evaluating the Options
A. Incorrect: Nonpolar covalent bonds do not create polarity B. Incorrect: Ionic bonds are not the mechanism for molecular polarity C. Incorrect: Bonds between atoms of the same electronegativity are nonpolar D. Correct: Polar covalent bonds that are not symmetric will result in a polar molecule
Final Answer
Polar covalent bonds within the molecule that are not symmetric create molecular polarity. Key Insight: Molecular polarity requires: 1. Polar covalent bonds (electronegativity difference) 2. Asymmetric molecular geometry that prevents bond dipoles from canceling out
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