Which of the following is a polar molecule?AmmoniaMethaneOxygenChlorine
Question
Which of the following is a polar molecule?AmmoniaMethaneOxygenChlorine
Solution
Ammonia is a polar molecule.
Here's why:
-
A polar molecule is one that has a net dipole as a result of the opposing charges due to the polar bonds arranged asymmetrically.
-
Ammonia (NH3) has a molecular shape that is trigonal pyramidal. This is because it has 3 hydrogen atoms and a non-bonding pair of electrons.
-
The nitrogen atom in the molecule has a lone electron pair, which makes the charge distribution in the molecule uneven, resulting in a dipole moment.
-
Therefore, ammonia (NH3) is a polar molecule.
On the other hand, Methane (CH4), Oxygen (O2), and Chlorine (Cl2) are nonpolar molecules. Methane has a tetrahedral shape with hydrogen atoms symmetrically arranged, which cancels out the dipole, hence making it nonpolar. Oxygen and Chlorine are diatomic molecules with atoms of the same element, hence they do not have a dipole moment.
Similar Questions
Which of the following molecules is the most polar?
Which of the following molecules is the most polar?Group of answer choicesH-ClH-IH-BrH-F
Is a molecule of hydrogen chloride (HCl) polar or nonpolar?Multiple choice question.bothpolarnonpolarneither
Which of the following molecules contain polar covalent bonds: CO, N2, NH3, NH4+, and HCl?
choose the most polar bond in the molecule.
Upgrade your grade with Knowee
Get personalized homework help. Review tough concepts in more detail, or go deeper into your topic by exploring other relevant questions.