Question

Which of the following is more polar: HF or H2O? (Without knowing electronegativities)

A) HF
B) H₂O
C) Both are equally polar
D) Neither is polar

Answer 1

Between HF and H2O, H2O is more polar due to its bent shape and two polar bonds which lead to a stronger separation of charges compared to the single polar bond in HF.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asked is which molecule is more polar, HF or H2O. To assess polarity, we look at molecular geometry and electron negativities of the atoms involved. Water (H2O) is a polar molecule due to its bent shape and the electronegativity difference between hydrogen and oxygen, leading to a separation of charges. On the other hand, in HF, there is a significant electronegativity difference between hydrogen and fluorine, which leads to a strong polarization of the HF bond. However, H2O has two polar bonds and a bent shape that enhances its dipole moment, making it overall more polar than HF, which has only one polar bond.