Final answer:
Formaldehyde (CH2O) is a polar molecule with a trigonal planar shape. The net polarity of the molecule is from the oxygen atom towards the hydrogen atoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The molecular shape of formaldehyde (CH2O) is trigonal planar. This means that the molecule is flat and consists of three electron groups surrounding the central carbon atom. The double bond between the carbon and oxygen atoms and the two single bonds between the carbon and hydrogen atoms create a triangular shape.
As for polarity, the molecule is polar. This is because the oxygen atom is more electronegative than the carbon and hydrogen atoms, causing an imbalance in charge distribution. The oxygen atom pulls the electron density towards itself, creating partial positive charges on the hydrogen atoms and a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom.
The net polarity of the molecule is from the oxygen atom towards the hydrogen atoms. This can be represented as an arrow pointing towards the hydrogen atoms, indicating the direction of the dipole moment.