Question

Which, if any, of the two molecular geometries is likely to be polar if the outer atoms are identical and there is a difference in electronegativity between the central atom and the outer atoms

Answer 1

The polarity of a molecule with identical outer atoms depends on its molecular geometry; symmetrical geometries generally result in nonpolar molecules, while asymmetrical geometries, especially those with lone pairs on the central atom, are likely to be polar.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine whether a molecule with identical outer atoms and a central atom with a different electronegativity is likely to be polar, you must consider the molecule's molecular geometry. If the molecular geometry is symmetrical, as in the case of a tetrahedral (e.g., methane, CH4) or trigonal planar (e.g., boron trifluoride, BF3) molecule, the molecule is typically nonpolar because the dipoles cancel out. However, if the molecule has a central atom with lone pairs, the geometry could be asymmetrical, leading to a polar molecule since the existence of lone pairs affects the electron-pair geometry and disrupts symmetry. Taking into account lone pairs is essential, as they can create dipole moments that result in a polar molecule, even with identical outer atoms.

Answer 2

Polar molecules are not symmetrical

Step-by-step explanation:

Even though the structures of the molecules involved were not shown in the question, but I will proceed to give a general explanation of the conditions that describe a polar molecule.

First of all, symmetrical molecules are non-polar and asymmetrical molecules are polar. This is the reason why CF4 will be a nonpolar molecule but H2O will be a polar molecule. Some symmetrical molecules may may posses polar bonds or dipoles but these dipoles eventually cancel out since the molecule is symmetrical in nature.

Summarily, if a molecule possess the same type of atoms attached to the central atom with some symmetry axes, like C3, C4 etc., we will end up with a non polar molecule but if we have a nonplanar molecule, then we will end up finding it to be polar.