QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
"Determine whether each molecule is polar or nonpolar.
a. SCl
2
b. SCl
4
c. BrCl
5"
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Answer
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Step 1
To determine if a molecule is polar or nonpolar, we need to consider its symmetry and the differences in electronegativity between its atoms. If a molecule has an asymmetrical charge distribution, it is polar; if the charge distribution is symmetrical, it is nonpolar. a. SCl^2: i. Sulfur diochloride (SCl2) has a linear molecular geometry. The electronegativity difference between S and Cl is 0.7, making SCl bonds polar. However, the molecule is symmetrical: the dipole moments of the S-Cl bonds cancel each other out. Therefore, SCl^2 is nonpolar.
Step 2
SCl^4: i. Sulfur tetrafluoride (SCl4) has a tetrahedral molecular geometry. The electronegativity difference between S and Cl is 0.7, making SCl bonds polar. The molecule is not symmetrical: the dipole moments of the S-Cl bonds do not cancel each other out. Therefore, SCl^4 is polar.
Final Answer
a. SCl^2 is nonpolar. b. SCl^4 is polar. c. BrCl^5 is polar.
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