Polarity and Intermolecular Forces

The polarity of a molecule depends not only on its bond polarities, but also on its shape. A molecule’s overall polarity determines its level of intermolecular attraction, which ultimately determines its physical properties.

In this assignment, demonstrate your understanding of polarity and intermolecular forces by completing a problem set.

Instructions

Your task is to complete the questions in the problem set. Carefully read the questions and provide thorough answers.

Questions

For each molecule, draw its shape using Lewis structures and VSEPR theory. Include your steps in creating each sketch. Each diagram should include labelled electronegativities and partial charges for each atom within the molecule, and vector arrows representing the magnitude and direction of each bond dipole and net dipole (for polar molecules). Finally, determine whether the molecule is polar or non-polar and explain your rationale based on bond polarity and molecular shape.

1. CH2Cl2
2. NI3
3. CH2O
4. BeF2
5. SF6
6. SO2
7. HBr

1. should include the following:
2. Your answers to the problem set including molecular polarity and rationale
3. Lewis structures for each molecule, with electronegativities, partial charges, and dipole vectors arrows
4. Your steps in determining each molecule’s Lewis structure and shape