Question

Complete the paragraph to describe the characteristics of silicon tetrachloride molecule (SiH4). the Lewis structure and the table of electronegativities are given.
The bond polarities of SiH4 are _____, the molecular shape is _____, and the molecule is _____.

Blank Options 1: Polar, Nonpolar
Blank Options 2: trigonal pyramidal, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, linear, bent
Blank Options 3: Polar, Nonpolar

Answer 1

The bond polarities of SiH₄ are polar. The molecular shape is tetrahedral. The molecule is nonpolar.

Explanation

As seen on the diagram, there are four Si-H bonds in a molecule of SiH₄. Electronegativity values:

• Si: 1.9
• H: 2.2

The two atoms differ in electronegativity. As a result, the Si-H bond is polar.

There are four valence electrons in one Si atom. Each of the four electron will go to a Si-H bond. The Si atom in SiH₄ will have no lone pairs. The four Si-H bonds count towards four electron domains. As a result, the SiH₄ atom is tetrahedral.

Dipoles from each Si-H bond are equal. They are poised in a tetrahedral shape. As a result, their dipole balance each other. Overall, SiH₄ molecule will have no net dipole.