Question

Give one example of a compound having a linear molecular structure that has an overall dipole moment (is polar) and one example that does not have an overall dipole moment (is nonpolar). Do the same for molecules that have trigonal planar and tetrahedral molecular structures.

Short answer

Polar and nonpolar examples for different molecular structures: - Linear: Polar - \(HCl\) (Hydrogen chloride), Nonpolar - \(O_2\) (Oxygen) - Trigonal Planar: Polar - \(SO_3\) (Sulfur trioxide), Nonpolar - \(BF_3\) (Boron trifluoride) - Tetrahedral: Polar - \(CH_3Cl\) (Chloromethane), Nonpolar - \(CH_4\) (Methane)

Step-by-step solution

Linear Molecular Structure

For a linear molecular structure, the atoms are arranged in a straight line, such as diatomic molecules or molecules with two bonds to a central atom. Example of a polar molecule with a linear molecular structure: \(HCl\) (Hydrogen chloride) Example of a nonpolar molecule with a linear molecular structure: \(O_2\) (Oxygen)

Trigonal Planar Molecular Structure

In a trigonal planar molecular structure, three atoms are bonded to a central atom to form a flat, three-sided shape. Example of a polar molecule with a trigonal planar molecular structure: \(SO_3\) (Sulfur trioxide) Example of a nonpolar molecule with a trigonal planar molecular structure: \(BF_3\) (Boron trifluoride)

Tetrahedral Molecular Structure

In a tetrahedral molecular structure, four atoms are bonded to a central atom in a shape resembling a pyramid with a triangular base. Example of a polar molecule with a tetrahedral molecular structure: \(CH_3Cl\) (Chloromethane) Example of a nonpolar molecule with a tetrahedral molecular structure: \(CH_4\) (Methane)