Chapter 18, Problem 113A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The factors which determine the polar and non-polar nature of a molecule are to be determined.

Concept introduction:

A molecule is non-polar if electrons of covalent bond are equally shared between the atoms.

A molecule is polar if electrons of covalent bond are not equally shared between the atoms.

Answer to Problem 113A

The factors which determine the polar and non-polar nature of a molecule are:

• Electronegativity
• Geometry

Explanation of Solution

The factors which determine the polar and non-polar nature of a molecule are:

• Electronegativity: If the atoms forming the bond are of same electro negativity, then bond is non-polar. If the atoms forming the bond are of different electro negativity, then bond is polar.
• Geometry: In polyatomic molecules, geometry plays important role in classifying the molecule as polar or non-polar.

Example: $S{O}_2$ is a polar molecule because it is bent shape but $C{O}_2$ is non polar molecule because it is linear.

Conclusion

Thus, electro negativity and geometry are the factors which determine polarity of a molecule.