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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is classified as a nonpolar molecule?
A
B
C
D
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the molecular structure of each compound. The images show different isomers of difluoroethene (C2H2F2).
Determine the symmetry of each molecule. A nonpolar molecule typically has a symmetrical distribution of charge.
Analyze the electronegativity of the atoms involved. Fluorine is more electronegative than hydrogen, which can create dipoles.
Evaluate the dipole moments. If the dipoles cancel each other out due to symmetry, the molecule is nonpolar.
Compare the structures: the molecule with fluorine atoms on opposite sides (trans configuration) is more likely to be nonpolar due to symmetry, as opposed to the cis configuration where dipoles do not cancel out.