Question

Rank these according to increasing polarity: h2, hbr, hf, hcl, hi

a) hi < h2 < hbr < hcl < hf
b) h2 < hi < hcl < hbr < hf
c) hi < hbr < h2 < hcl < hf
d) h2 < hi = hcl < hbr < hf

Answer 1

The molecules ranked in order of increasing polarity are HI, HBr, HCl, HF, and H2, based on the electronegativity of the halogens bonded to hydrogen.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct order to rank the given molecules according to increasing polarity is: HI < HBr < HCl < HF < H2. This order is determined by considering the electronegativity difference between the hydrogen atom and the halogen it is bonded to. As electronegativity increases, the polarity of the molecule also increases. Since fluorine is the most electronegative halogen, HF is the most polar of the hydrogen halides. Additionally, H2 is the least polar because it is a nonpolar molecule with no electronegativity difference between the hydrogen atoms.