QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
The PCl^5 molecule has
Multiple Choice
nonpolar bonds, and is a nonpolar molecule.
nonpolar bonds, but is a polar molecule.
polar bonds, and is a polar molecule.
polar bonds, but is a nonpolar molecule.
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Answer
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Step 1: Determine the types of bonds in PCl$_1$
Phosphorus (P) can form five covalent bonds with Chlorine (Cl) atoms, resulting in a regular pentagonal geometry. The P-Cl bonds are polar since Phosphorus has a higher electronegativity than Chlorine (2.19 vs 3.16 on the Pauling scale), but the molecule itself can still be nonpolar due to its symmetrical shape.
Step 2: Analyze the molecular geometry
In PCl$_5$, Phosphorus is the central atom, bonded to five Chlorine atoms, forming a regular pentagonal shape.
This shape is highly symmetrical, with all bond angles being 108°.
Final Answer
The PCl$_1$ molecule has polar bonds, but is a nonpolar molecule due to its symmetrical shape.
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