Polarity & Molecular Shapes

Front

What is molecular polarity?

Back

Molecular polarity refers to the distribution of electrical charge over the atoms in a molecule. A molecule is polar if it has a net dipole moment due to the presence of polar bonds and an asymmetrical shape.

Front

Define a polar molecule.

Back

A polar molecule is one that has a partial positive charge on one end and a partial negative charge on the other end, resulting from differences in electronegativity between the bonded atoms.

Front

What is a nonpolar molecule?

Back

A nonpolar molecule is one that has no net dipole moment, meaning the electrical charges are evenly distributed, often due to symmetrical shapes or identical atoms.

Front

What is the VSEPR theory?

Back

The Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory is a model used to predict the geometry of individual molecules based on the repulsion between electron pairs in the valence shell of the central atom.

Front

What is the molecular shape of a molecule with 2 bonding pairs and 2 lone pairs?

Back

Bent.

Front

What is the molecular shape of a molecule with 3 bonding pairs and 1 lone pair?

Back

Trigonal pyramidal.

Front

What is the molecular shape of a molecule with 2 bonding pairs and 1 lone pair?

Back

Bent.

Front

What is the molecular shape of a molecule with 5 bonding pairs and no lone pairs?

Back

Trigonal bipyramidal.

Front

What is the shape of a molecule with 4 bonding pairs and no lone pairs?

Back

Tetrahedral.

Front

How does electronegativity affect molecular polarity?

Back

Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons. In a bond between two atoms with different electronegativities, the more electronegative atom will attract the shared electrons more strongly, creating a dipole moment.