Question

Molecules of three or more elements may be nonpolar if the geometric shape is:

A. Asymmetrical
B. Symmetrical
C. All of the above
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Molecules of three or more elements may be nonpolar when they have a symmetrical geometric shape, leading to a uniform distribution of electric charge through the cancellation of polarity vectors.

Step-by-step explanation:

Molecules that consist of three or more elements may be nonpolar if the geometric shape of the molecule is symmetrical. This symmetry allows the polarity vectors of individual polar bonds to cancel each other out, resulting in an overall nonpolar molecule. Examples of symmetrical molecular geometries that lead to nonpolarity include linear molecules with two equal bonds, trigonal planar molecules with three equal bonds, and tetrahedral molecules with four equal bonds.

Therefore, molecules of three or more elements may be nonpolar if the geometric shape is B. Symmetrical. Nonpolarity arises when there is a uniform distribution of electrical charge due to the symmetrical arrangement of polar bonds, which prevents one side of the molecule from having a different charge than another.