Question: Which of the following molecules is nonpolar?
Options:
HCl
CO2
NH3
H2O
Correct Answer: CO2
Solution:
CO2 is linear and symmetrical, leading to cancellation of dipole moments, making it nonpolar.
Which of the following molecules is nonpolar?
Practice Questions
Q1
Which of the following molecules is nonpolar?
HCl
CO2
NH3
H2O
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which of the following molecules is nonpolar?
Step 1: Understand what a nonpolar molecule is. A nonpolar molecule has an even distribution of electrical charge, meaning it does not have distinct positive or negative ends.
Step 2: Look at the given molecule, CO2 (carbon dioxide).
Step 3: Determine the shape of CO2. CO2 is a linear molecule, which means the atoms are arranged in a straight line.
Step 4: Identify the symmetry in CO2. Since CO2 has two oxygen atoms on either side of the carbon atom, it is symmetrical.
Step 5: Understand dipole moments. A dipole moment occurs when there is a difference in charge distribution. In CO2, the dipole moments from the carbon-oxygen bonds cancel each other out due to the symmetry.
Step 6: Conclude that because the dipole moments cancel out, CO2 does not have a net dipole moment, making it a nonpolar molecule.
No concepts available.
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