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1. Intro to General Chemistry3h 48m
2. Atoms & Elements4h 16m
3. Chemical Reactions4h 10m
4. BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
5. BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions48m
6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions3h 53m
7. Gases3h 49m
8. Thermochemistry2h 37m
9. Quantum Mechanics2h 58m
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements3h 9m
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure3h 29m
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory1h 57m
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces2h 23m
14. Solutions3h 1m
15. Chemical Kinetics2h 53m
16. Chemical Equilibrium2h 29m
17. Acid and Base Equilibrium5h 1m
18. Aqueous Equilibrium4h 47m
19. Chemical Thermodynamics1h 50m
20. Electrochemistry2h 42m
21. Nuclear Chemistry2h 36m
22. Organic Chemistry5h 7m
23. Chemistry of the Nonmetals2h 39m
24. Transition Metals and Coordination Compounds3h 16m

13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces

Molecular Polarity

General Chemistry

13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces

Molecular Polarity

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Multiple Choice

How does the structure of water result in its polarity?

Water has a linear shape, causing an even distribution of charge.

Water's hydrogen bonds make it nonpolar.

Water has a bent shape, leading to an uneven distribution of charge.

Water is nonpolar because it has symmetrical charge distribution.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the molecular geometry of water: Water (H₂O) has a bent shape due to the two lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom, which repel the hydrogen atoms.

Recognize the electronegativity difference: Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, meaning it attracts the shared electrons in the covalent bonds more strongly.

Analyze the dipole moments: The difference in electronegativity creates dipole moments, with the oxygen atom having a partial negative charge and the hydrogen atoms having partial positive charges.

Consider the overall molecular polarity: Due to the bent shape, the dipole moments do not cancel out, resulting in a net dipole moment and making water a polar molecule.

Conclude with the implications of polarity: The polarity of water leads to hydrogen bonding, which is responsible for many of its unique properties, such as high surface tension and boiling point.