Which of the molecules in the figure are polar? (Assume that the bonds are all polar.)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To determine if a molecule is polar, we need to look at its molecular geometry and its bond polarities.

I. H2O has a bent molecular geometry with two polar bonds. The electronegativity difference between hydrogen and oxygen creates a dipole moment, making the molecule polar.

II. CO2 has a linear molecular geometry with two polar bonds that are equal and opposite in direction, canceling out the dipole moment. Therefore, the molecule is nonpolar.

III. NH3 has a trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry with three polar bonds that do not cancel out, creating a dipole moment. Therefore, the molecule is polar.

IV. CH4 has a tetrahedral molecular geometry with four nonpolar bonds that cancel out, making the molecule nonpolar.

Overall, molecules I, II, and III are polar, while molecule IV is nonpolar.

Which of the Molecules in the Figure Are Polar? (Assume