Is Cl2 a polar molecule?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether a chlorine molecule (Cl2) is polar or nonpolar. Polarity in molecules depends on the difference in electronegativity between the atoms and the molecule's geometry. Since Cl2 consists of two identical chlorine atoms, we need to assess whether there's an uneven distribution of electron density.
Answer
Cl2 is a nonpolar molecule because the equal electronegativity of the two chlorine atoms results in an equal distribution of electron density.
Cl2 (Chlorine gas) is a nonpolar molecule. This is because it is a diatomic molecule with both atoms having the same electronegativity; therefore, the electrons are equally distributed.
Answer for screen readers
Cl2 (Chlorine gas) is a nonpolar molecule. This is because it is a diatomic molecule with both atoms having the same electronegativity; therefore, the electrons are equally distributed.
More Information
Electronegativity is the measure of the ability of an atom in a chemical compound to attract electrons.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming that all molecules with identical atoms are nonpolar; however, molecular geometry also affects polarity.
Sources
- Is Cl2 Polar or Non-polar? (Chlorine Gas) - YouTube - youtube.com
- Is Cl2 polar or nonpolar? Explain. - Homework.Study.com - homework.study.com
- Flexi answers - Is Cl2 polar or nonpolar? | CK-12 Foundation - ck12.org
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