Q
QuestionChemistry

Is H^3O+ polar or nonpolar? Please explain.
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Step 1
:

Determine if H^3O+ has polar or nonpolar bonds. Explanation: Hydrogen halides, such as HF, HCl, HBr, and HI, are examples of polar covalent bonds where the electronegativity difference between hydrogen and the halogen is greater than 0.5 but less than 2.0. In the case of H^3O+, we have hydrogen bonded to oxygen, which is more electronegative than halogens. The electronegativity difference between hydrogen and oxygen is greater than 2.0, making the bond between them an ionic bond rather than a covalent bond.

Step 2
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Recall the definition of polar and nonpolar molecules. Explanation: A polar molecule is a molecule in which the electron density is not evenly distributed, resulting in a net dipole moment. A nonpolar molecule, on the other hand, has an even distribution of electron density, resulting in no net dipole moment.

Final Answer

H^3O+ is a polar molecule.