Which molecule is polar? C2H4 CS2 C6H6 SO2 CF4
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The molecule that is polar among the given options is SO2 (sulfur dioxide).
Explanation:
- C2H4 (Ethene): This molecule has a linear structure with a double bond between the two carbon atoms and single bonds between carbon and hydrogen atoms. The molecule is symmetric, and the dipoles from the C-H bonds cancel each other out, making it nonpolar.
- CS2 (Carbon disulfide): CS2 has a linear molecular geometry where carbon is in the middle with two sulfur atoms on each side. Although sulfur is more electronegative than carbon, the linear geometry results in a cancellation of the dipole moments, making the molecule nonpolar.
- C6H6 (Benzene): Benzene is a symmetric, cyclic molecule with alternating double bonds. It exhibits delocalized electrons in its aromatic ring, and due to its symmetry, there is no overall dipole moment. Hence, benzene is nonpolar.
- SO2 (Sulfur dioxide): SO2 has a bent or V-shaped molecular geometry due to the lone pairs on the sulfur atom. The oxygen atoms are more electronegative than sulfur, creating dipole moments that do not cancel out. This results in an overall dipole moment, making SO2 a polar molecule.
- CF4 (Carbon tetrafluoride): CF4 has a tetrahedral geometry, and while fluorine is highly electronegative, the symmetry of the tetrahedral shape causes the dipoles from the C-F bonds to cancel each other out. Therefore, CF4 is nonpolar.
Thus, SO2 is the polar molecule due to its bent shape and unequal distribution of electron density.
