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Why is Chloromethane Polar but Methane Nonpolar? Decoding Molecule Sha
Chapter 5, Problem 72QP(choose chapter or problem)
The molecules \(CH_4\) and \(CH_{3}Cl\) both contain four bonds. Why is \(CH_4\) nonpolar whereas \(CH_{3}Cl\) is polar?
Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
The molecules \(CH_4\) and \(CH_{3}Cl\) both contain four bonds. Why is \(CH_4\) nonpolar whereas \(CH_{3}Cl\) is polar?
ANSWER:Step 1 of 3
The polarity of a molecule is determined by both the electronegativity difference between the atoms and the shape of the molecule. For a molecule to be polar, it must, first of all, have polar bonds. But just because a molecule possesses polar bonds does not mean the molecule as a whole will be polar. In addition to having polar bonds, the molecule must also have an asymmetric structure, causing the bond polarities not to cancel out.
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Why is Chloromethane Polar but Methane Nonpolar? Decoding Molecule Sha
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Explore the polar nature of Chloromethane and the nonpolar characteristics of Methane. Understand the impact of electronegativity differences and bond types. Deciphering molecular polarity through the lens of tetrahedral structures.