Question

Select all the molecules that contain polar covalent bonds and are nonpolar due to molecular symmetry.

A. SO₃
B. BeF₂
C. SO₂

Answer 1

BeF₂ and SO₂ are molecules that contain polar covalent bonds but are nonpolar due to molecular symmetry.

Step-by-step explanation:

Polar covalent bonds are formed when two atoms with different electronegativities share electrons. In a molecule, if the polar bonds are symmetrically arranged, the molecule as a whole can be nonpolar. This is because the dipole moments of the polar bonds cancel each other out, resulting in a net dipole moment of zero.

In the provided options, the molecules that contain polar covalent bonds but are nonpolar due to molecular symmetry are:

• BeF₂
• SO₂