Determine if a Molecule is Polar - Steps & Tips

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    Molecule Polarity
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining if a molecule is polar by analyzing the geometrical shape and the vectors of polar bonds. Participants explore the challenges of vector addition in different molecular geometries, particularly in three-dimensional contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their understanding of the steps to determine molecular polarity but expresses difficulty in adding vectors for certain geometrical shapes, particularly in three dimensions.
  • Another participant suggests that the problem is more mathematical than chemical, referencing vector addition in a Euclidean context.
  • A participant acknowledges their familiarity with adding vectors only in two dimensions, indicating a limitation in their approach.
  • Another response proposes a method for adding vectors by reducing the problem to a two-dimensional case, suggesting a strategy for tackling the vector addition challenge.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to vector addition in three-dimensional molecular geometries, indicating a mix of perspectives and unresolved challenges.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express limitations in their understanding of vector addition in three dimensions, which may affect their ability to determine molecular polarity accurately.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in molecular chemistry, vector mathematics, and those seeking to understand molecular polarity through geometric and vector analysis may find this discussion relevant.

chemistry1
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Hi,

I know what are the steps to determine if a molecule is polar or not, but I'm having one small problem. When I have determined the geometrical shape of my molecule and drew the vectors of the polar bonds that goes from the least electronegative atom to the most electronegative atom, how exactly do I add these vectors? I know that if the sum of my vectors give 0, I have a non polar molecule and if it doesn't then it's polar. But for some easy geometrical shapes I can easily add them, and for some others I don't know. For example, I may know from the beginning that the molecule is non polar because its lewis structure is symmetrical, but when it's time to show it using vectors, for some reason, I'm not able to do it. If I had the sp^3 shape (tetrahedron), and I know that the 4 vectors must give 0, this is where I get stuck.
Anyway, I need help! Thank you again.
 
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Well, I know how to add vectors but only if they're 2d...
 
Well, you start adding the first and the second, the sum vector lying in the plane spanned by the two vectors. So the problem reduces to the two dimensional case.
 

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