Question

Which of the following is a non-polar molecule?

• A. CO\(_2\)
• B. H\(_2\)O
• C. CH\(_3\)Cl
• D.

Hint:

When determining whether a molecule is polar or non-polar, check for symmetry and the electronegativity differences between atoms. Symmetric molecules with identical bond dipoles tend to be non-polar.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To determine whether a molecule is polar or non-polar, we need to consider the symmetry of the molecule and the distribution of electrons. A polar molecule has an uneven distribution of electron density, resulting in a dipole moment. A non-polar molecule has an even distribution of electrons. - CO\(_2\) (carbon dioxide) is a linear molecule, and both C=O bonds are identical in polarity. Due to the symmetry of the molecule, the dipoles cancel each other out, making CO\(_2\) a non-polar molecule. - H\(_2\)O (water) is a bent molecule with a significant dipole moment. The oxygen atom is more electronegative than hydrogen, and the bent shape causes the dipoles to not cancel out, making water a polar molecule. - CH\(_3\)Cl (chloromethane) is a polar molecule because the C-Cl bond is polar, and the molecule is not symmetrical, resulting in a net dipole moment. Thus, CO\(_2\) is the only non-polar molecule among the choices.