H20 CO2 Both molecules pictured have 3 atoms but different molecular geometry and different molecular polarity. Identify the shape and molecular polarity for each. Then explain what causes the difference in molecular geometry and molecular polarity. Answer in 5-8 complete sentences, in your own words, with proper grammar and spelling.
Formal Charges
Formal charges have an important role in organic chemistry since this concept helps us to know whether an atom in a molecule is neutral/bears a positive or negative charge. Even if some molecules are neutral, the atoms within that molecule need not be neutral atoms.
Polarity Of Water
In simple chemical terms, polarity refers to the separation of charges in a chemical species leading into formation of two polar ends which are positively charged end and negatively charged end. Polarity in any molecule occurs due to the differences in the electronegativities of the bonded atoms. Water, as we all know has two hydrogen atoms bonded to an oxygen atom. As oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen thus, there exists polarity in the bonds which is why water is known as a polar solvent.
Valence Bond Theory Vbt
Valence bond theory (VBT) in simple terms explains how individual atomic orbitals with an unpaired electron each, come close to each other and overlap to form a molecular orbital giving a covalent bond. It gives a quantum mechanical approach to the formation of covalent bonds with the help of wavefunctions using attractive and repulsive energies when two atoms are brought from infinity to their internuclear distance.
![Both molecules pictured have 3 atoms but different molecular geometry and different molecular polarity. Identify the shape and molecular polarity for each. Then explain what causes the difference in molecular geometry and molecular polarity. Answer in 5-8 complete sentences, in your own words, with proper grammar and spelling.
**H₂O:**
- The H₂O molecule has a bent shape with an angle of about 104.5 degrees.
- The molecular polarity is polar due to the difference in electronegativity between hydrogen and oxygen.
**CO₂:**
- The CO₂ molecule has a linear shape with a bond angle of 180 degrees.
- The molecular polarity is nonpolar because the dipoles cancel out due to the linear geometry.
**Explanation:**
The difference in molecular geometry arises from the arrangement of atoms and electron pairs around the central atom. In H₂O, the lone pairs on the oxygen cause the molecule to bend, creating a polar molecule. In CO₂, there are no lone pairs on the central carbon, leading to a linear shape that causes the dipoles to cancel, making it nonpolar. The geometry and electronegativity differences determine the polarity, affecting the molecule’s interactions with other substances.](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2Fe1e90872-77d5-4713-a023-8bd196b943ac%2Fc9a8b49c-f39e-46a1-ad1f-68c29d61a897%2Fpvuqov_processed.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
![**Molecular Geometry and Polarity Exploration**
The image presents two molecules, \( \text{PCl}_3 \) and \( \text{COF}_2 \), each with 4 atoms.
- **\( \text{PCl}_3 \)**: This molecule appears in a structure where the central phosphorus atom is bonded to three chlorine atoms, forming a pyramidal shape.
- **\( \text{COF}_2 \)**: This molecule shows a central carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to two fluorine atoms, likely forming a trigonal planar shape.
**Task**:
Identify the shape and molecular polarity of each molecule. Discuss factors causing the differences in molecular geometry and/or polarity. Respond in 5-8 complete sentences, using proper grammar and spelling.](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2Fe1e90872-77d5-4713-a023-8bd196b943ac%2Fc9a8b49c-f39e-46a1-ad1f-68c29d61a897%2Fr6dtei_processed.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
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