Question

3. For each of the following molecules, determine if it is polar or nonpolar:A. CO₂: B. HCN:C. H₂O:D. BF3:E. CH2O:F. N13:G. CBr4:

Answer 1

Step 1 - Determining the geometry for each molecule

CO2: linear

HCN: linear

H2O: angular

BF3: trigonal planar

CH2O: trigonal planar

NH3: pyramidal

CBr4: tetrahedric

Step 2 - Determining the polarity

CO2: simmetrical; non polar

HCN: non simmetrical; polar

H2O: simmetrical but angular; O more electronegative; polar

BF3: simmetrical; non polar

CH2O: simmetrical but O is more electronegative; polar

NH3: simmetrical but pyramidal; N more electronegative; polar

CBr4: simmetrical, non polar