Related Problems with Solutions
Problem 8 : Discuss the concept of molecular polarity and how it relates to the overall geometry of a molecule. Determine the polarity of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) and ammonia (NH₃).
Solution :
Molecular polarity depends on the molecule’s geometry and the presence of polar bonds. A molecule is polar if it has an uneven distribution of electrons, resulting in a net dipole moment.
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Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) has a tetrahedral geometry with four polar C-Cl bonds. However, the bond dipoles cancel out due to the symmetric arrangement, making CCl₄ a nonpolar molecule.
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Ammonia (NH₃) has a trigonal pyramidal geometry with polar N-H bonds. The lone pair of electrons on nitrogen results in an uneven distribution of charge, making NH₃ a polar molecule.
