Characterize EACH of the three given statements as being TRUE or FALSE and then indicate the collective true-false status of the statements using the choices provided. (1) In the molecule SO₂ both a single bond and a double bond are present.
(2) A linear symmetrical triatomic molecule will always be nonpolar.
(3) The total number of valence electrons available for bonding in the polyatomic ion PO₄^3- is 30.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1) False. The molecule contains only single bonds. 
2) False. A linear symmetrical triatomic molecule can be polar or nonpolar depending on the atoms present and their electronegativity. 
3) True. The total number of valence electrons can be calculated as (1x3) + (6x4) + (1x2) + (1x2) + (5x2) + (7x2) + 1 = 30. Therefore, two out of three statements are true.

Characterize EACH of the Three Given Statements as Being TRUE