Question

Which choice best describe the polarity of ClF₅?

a) The molecule is polar and has polar bonds.
b) The molecule is nonpolar and has polar bonds.
c) The molecule is polar and has nonpolar bonds.
d) The molecule is nonpolar and has nonpolar bonds.

Answer 1

The correct answer is option a. The molecule ClF₅ is polar and has polar bonds due to the difference in electronegativity and the molecular structure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The molecule ClF₅ is polar and has polar bonds. The electronegativity of chlorine (3.0) is higher than that of fluorine (3.98), creating a polar covalent bond.

When examining the molecular structure, the molecule has a trigonal bipyramidal shape, which leads to an overall asymmetry and a net dipole moment. It means that the molecule has regions of partial positive and partial negative charges, making it polar.

Therefore, the correct choice is a) The molecule is polar and has polar bonds.