Molecule Or Polyatomic Ion Polar Or Nonpolar? Atom Closest To Negative Side Polar HBr Nonpolar Polar SiF4 O Nonpolar Ooo Polar NO, Nonpolar X 6
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Let’s analyze the polarity of the given molecules or polyatomic ions and identify the atom closest to the negative side (more electronegative atom) for each:
| Molecule/Ion | Polar or Nonpolar | Atom Closest to Negative Side |
|---|---|---|
| HBr | Polar | Br |
| SiF₄ | Nonpolar | F |
| NO | Polar | O |
Explanation):
Polarity in a molecule depends on two factors: the electronegativity difference between atoms and the molecular geometry (shape). If the molecule has polar bonds and the shape doesn’t cancel out the dipoles, the molecule is polar. Otherwise, it is nonpolar.
1. HBr (Hydrogen Bromide):
HBr consists of a hydrogen atom bonded to a bromine atom. Bromine is significantly more electronegative than hydrogen, creating a dipole moment with the negative end toward bromine. Because it is a diatomic molecule with only one bond, and the bond is polar, HBr is polar. The atom closest to the negative side is Br.
2. SiF₄ (Silicon Tetrafluoride):
SiF₄ has four fluorine atoms symmetrically arranged around a central silicon atom in a tetrahedral geometry. While the Si–F bonds are individually polar due to the high electronegativity of fluorine, the symmetry of the molecule causes the dipole moments to cancel out. Therefore, the molecule as a whole is nonpolar. The atom closest to the negative side (if considering individual bonds) is F, but overall the molecule is nonpolar.
3. NO (Nitric Oxide):
NO is a diatomic molecule consisting of nitrogen and oxygen. Oxygen is more electronegative than nitrogen, making the bond polar. Since there is no other bond to cancel out the dipole, the molecule is polar. The atom closest to the negative side is O.
Summary:
- Polar molecules: HBr, NO
- Nonpolar molecule: SiF₄ (due to symmetrical geometry)
- Atoms closest to negative side: Br (HBr), F (SiF₄), O (NO)
