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

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on identifying the polarity of the molecules ClO4-, H2S, SF6, and PCl3. All molecules are tetrahedral and polar, except for SF6, which is octahedral and nonpolar due to its symmetrical electron configuration. The polarity is determined by both the electronegativity values of the constituent atoms and the molecular geometry. The Lewis dot diagrams and electrostatic repulsion geometry play crucial roles in understanding molecular shapes and their resulting polarities.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of molecular geometry and shapes, specifically tetrahedral and octahedral configurations.
  • Knowledge of electronegativity and its impact on molecular polarity.
  • Familiarity with Lewis dot structures and their significance in predicting molecular behavior.
  • Basic principles of electrostatic repulsion in molecular structures.
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  • Research the concept of molecular geometry and its influence on polarity.
  • Study electronegativity values and how they affect molecular interactions.
  • Learn to draw and interpret Lewis dot structures for various molecules.
  • Explore electrostatic repulsion theory and its applications in molecular chemistry.
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Chemistry students, molecular biologists, and anyone interested in understanding molecular polarity and geometry in chemical compounds.

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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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