Table of contents

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

Which of the following statements correctly describes the polarity of a water molecule?

Water is a polar molecule because it has a symmetrical linear shape.

Water is a polar molecule due to its bent shape and unequal distribution of charge.

Water is a non-polar molecule due to its equal distribution of charge.

Water is a non-polar molecule because it has a symmetrical linear shape.

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Verified step by step guidance

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

Understand the concept of electronegativity. Oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, meaning it attracts the shared electrons in the covalent bonds more strongly.

Analyze the distribution of charge. The difference in electronegativity between oxygen and hydrogen leads to a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom and partial positive charges on the hydrogen atoms.

Consider the molecular shape and charge distribution. The bent shape of the water molecule causes an unequal distribution of charge, resulting in a dipole moment.

Conclude that water is a polar molecule. The combination of its bent shape and the unequal distribution of charge due to differences in electronegativity makes water a polar molecule.