Identifying Polar and Nonpolar Molecules: ClO4-, H2S, SF6, PCl3

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying whether the molecules ClO4-, H2S, SF6, and PCl3 are polar or nonpolar. Participants explore concepts related to molecular geometry, electron configuration, and electronegativity.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant claims that all molecules except SF6 are polar, noting that SF6 is octahedral and nonpolar.
  • Another participant suggests that the polarity relates to the electron configuration and the arrangement of atoms within the molecule, specifically mentioning H-S-H as a non-linear configuration.
  • A different participant emphasizes the importance of considering the relative electronegativity values of the atoms in the molecules and notes that molecular shape also plays a critical role in determining polarity.
  • One participant mentions having completed Lewis dot diagrams and observes that PCl3 does not exhibit symmetric geometry, which may affect its polarity, but has not yet considered electronegativity in their analysis.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their previous statements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the polarity of the molecules, with no consensus reached on the correctness of the claims made regarding their polarities.

Contextual Notes

Some participants have not fully considered the impact of electronegativity on polarity, and there may be unresolved aspects regarding the accuracy of the Lewis dot diagrams and molecular geometries.

linuxux
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Homework Statement


The question asks which are polar or non-polar: ClO_{4}^{-},H_{2}S,SF_{6},PCl_{3} ?

All molecules are tetrahedral and polar except for SF_{6} which is octahedral and nonpolar.
 
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It has something to do with the electron configuration. Like H-S-H, it is not linear. And the center of H is not the same as S. So you can analysize the electron configuration.Therefore you can determine whether it is polar or not.
 
linuxux, you may wish to consider the relative electronegativity values of each atom that makes up the molecule.

As an aside, not all molecular gasses are polar; take hydrogen, chlorine, methane for example. Polarity depends not only on the electronegativity of each atom, but also the actual shape of the molecules themselves.
 
i already did all the lewis dot diagrams, they all fit into the electrostatic repulsion geometry, the only one that didn't have an all symmetric geometry was PCl_{3}, unless i did something wrong, i haven't considered electro negativity yet however.
 
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okay, is any of that right?...
 

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