Is SCl2 polar or nonpolar?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether the molecule SCl2 (sulfur dichloride) has a net dipole moment, which can be determined by examining its molecular geometry and the electronegativity of its constituent atoms.
Answer
polar
The final answer is polar
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is polar
More Information
SCl₂ (sulfur dichloride) is polar because it has a bent molecular shape due to the presence of lone pairs of electrons on the sulfur atom. This shape causes an uneven distribution of charge, leading to a dipole moment.
Tips
A common mistake is not considering the molecular geometry when determining polarity. Just looking at the electronegativity difference is not enough; the shape of the molecule also plays a critical role.