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Which of the following statements is correct?

A. High molecular dipole moments are characteristic of nonpolar molecules
B. Polar solutes tend to be more soluble in nonpolar solvents
C. The polarity of a molecule is dependent on its 3-D structure
D. All polar molecules are capable of hydrogen bonding
E. London dispersion interactions are usually stronger than dipole-dipole interactions

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

The correct statement is that the polarity of a molecule is dependent on its 3-D structure. This determines if a molecule has a dipole moment, resulting in a polar or nonpolar characteristic. Other statements regarding molecular interactions and solubility are incorrect.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that is correct among the options given is, C. The polarity of a molecule is dependent on its 3-D structure. This is because the molecular structure and the polarity of each of its bonds determine if the molecule as a whole will have a net dipole moment, resulting in a polar or nonpolar molecule. Asymmetrical molecules with polar bonds typically have a dipole moment, while in symmetrical molecules, the bond moments may cancel out, leading to no net dipole moment and a nonpolar molecule.

It is worth noting that, contrary to statement A, high molecular dipole moments are characteristic of polar molecules, not nonpolar ones. Statement B is incorrect because polar solutes tend to be more soluble in polar solvents. Regarding statement D, not all polar molecules are capable of hydrogen bonding; only those with hydrogen atoms bonded to highly electronegative atoms, such as oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine. Finally, statement E is also incorrect as, in general, dipole-dipole interactions are stronger than London dispersion forces, particularly in small polar molecules.