Question

Classify each of the following molecules as polar or nonpolar:

a) H2O
b) CO2
c) NH3
d) CH4

Answer 1

H2O is polar due to its bent geometry and electronegative oxygen, CO2 is nonpolar as its linear geometry balances out electronegativity differences, NH3 is polar because of its trigonal pyramidal shape and nitrogen's electronegativity, and CH4 is nonpolar due to its tetrahedral symmetry and equal electron sharing.

Step-by-step explanation:

When classifying molecules as polar or nonpolar, one must look at the geometry and the electronegativity differences between the atoms within the molecule. Here are the classifications for the given molecules:

• H2O (Water) - Polar. Water has a bent geometry and oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, creating a dipole moment.
• CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) - Nonpolar. CO2 has a linear geometry with oxygen atoms on either side of carbon which balance out, making it nonpolar.
• NH3 (Ammonia) - Polar. Ammonia has a trigonal pyramidal shape, with nitrogen being more electronegative than hydrogen, leading to a dipole moment.
• CH4 (Methane) - Nonpolar. Methane has a tetrahedral geometry with equal sharing of electrons, making it nonpolar.