Question

For each molecule, specify the polarity of the bonds and the overall polarity of the molecule.

Answer 1

Each Be–Cl bond is polar because the two atoms have different electronegativities. The number of outer atoms (2) and lone pairs on the central atom (0) indicate that this molecule has a linear geometry. The bonds in a linear molecule are symmetric, and so their dipoles cancel out.

Each O–H bond is polar because the two atoms have different electronegativities. The number of outer atoms (2) and lone pairs on the central atom (2) indicate that this molecule has a bent geometry. The bonds in a bent molecule are asymmetric, and so their dipoles do not cancel out. In addition, the asymmetric arrangement of the lone pairs on O further contribute to the dipole of this molecule.

An O–O or O=O bond is nonpolar because the two atoms have the same electronegativity. Because there is no overall polarity in O2, the molecule is nonpolar.