Question 8.6.1: Determine polarity of molecules. Determine whether each of t......
Determine polarity of molecules.
Determine whether each of the following is polar.
a. SO_{3}
b. BrF_{3}
You are asked to determine whether a molecule is polar.
You are given the compound formula.
Draw the Lewis structure for each molecule, determine the shape, and label any polar bonds.
Use shape and bond polarity to determine whether the molecule is polar.
a. Nonpolar. SO_{3} has a trigonal planar shape, and all three SO bonds are polar. The three bond dipoles are arranged symmetrically in the molecule, so the molecule is not polar
b. Polar. BrF_{3} is T-shaped, and all three BrF bonds are polar. The three bond dipoles are not arranged symmetrically around the molecule, so the molecule is polar. The bromine is the positive end of the net dipole, and one of the fluorine atoms is the negative end of the bond dipole.
