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Select the molecules that are polar.
a. IOF₅
b. CH₂Cl₂
c. AsF₃
d. CF₄

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The molecules from the list that are polar are IOF₅, CH₂Cl₂, and AsF₃, due to their asymmetrical shapes and unequal distribution of electron density. CF₄ is nonpolar because its symmetrical shape allows polar bonds to cancel out.

Step-by-step explanation:

Molecules that are polar have an uneven distribution of electron density, leading to a net dipole moment. A molecule is polar when it contains polar bonds and has an asymmetrical shape, so that the dipoles do not cancel out. For the provided list:

  • IOF₅ is polar due to its square pyramidal geometry, causing an uneven distribution of charges.
  • CH₂Cl₂ (dichloromethane) is polar because it has chlorine atoms with higher electronegativity than hydrogen, and its tetrahedral geometry does not allow for the polar bonds to cancel out.
  • AsF₃ is polar as it has a trigonal pyramidal shape, leading to a net dipole moment.
  • CF₄ is nonpolar as it has a symmetrical tetrahedral shape that allows the polar C-F bonds to cancel out.
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