Question

Describe the type of bonding that exists in the \(\mathrm{Cl}_{2}(g)\) molecule. How does this type of bonding differ from that found in the HCl(g) molecule? How is it similar?

Short answer

In the Cl2(g) molecule, a nonpolar covalent bond is formed between two identical chlorine atoms, sharing a pair of electrons equally. In contrast, the HCl(g) molecule also forms a covalent bond but between two different atoms, hydrogen and chlorine, making it a polar covalent bond due to the difference in the electronegativity values. The similarity between both molecules lies in the fact that they are held together by covalent bonding as a result of electron sharing, leading to stable molecules with filled outer electron shells.

Step-by-step solution

In the Cl2(g) molecule, the type of bonding is a covalent bond. A covalent bond is formed when two atoms share a pair of electrons in order to achieve a full outer electron shell. In this case, each chlorine atom shares one electron with the other chlorine atom. This produces a stable, filled outer electron shell for each chlorine atom in the molecule. #Step 2: Describe the type of bonding in HCl(g)#

In the HCl(g) molecule, the type of bonding is also a covalent bond. A hydrogen atom shares its single valence electron with one of the seven valence electrons of the chlorine atom. This sharing of electrons leads to a stable, filled outer electron shell for both the hydrogen and chlorine atoms. #Step 3: Discuss differences in bonding in Cl2(g) and HCl(g)#

There are some differences in the bonding between Cl2(g) and HCl(g) molecules. In the case of Cl2(g), the covalent bond is formed between two identical atoms (both are chlorine atoms) and the shared electrons are distributed evenly between them. This results in a nonpolar covalent bond, as there is no difference in the electronegativity values of the bonded atoms. On the other hand, in HCl(g), the covalent bond is formed between two different atoms (hydrogen and chlorine). The electronegativity values of these atoms are different, with chlorine being more electronegative than hydrogen. This results in chlorine attracting the shared electrons more strongly, creating an uneven distribution of electron density in the bond. Consequently, the HCl(g) molecule has a polar covalent bond. #Step 4: Discuss similarities in bonding in Cl2(g) and HCl(g)#

The similarity between the bonding in Cl2(g) and HCl(g) molecules is that in both cases, a covalent bond is formed through the sharing of electrons between atoms. This type of bonding leads to the formation of a stable molecule with a filled outer electron shell for all participating atoms. Therefore, both Cl2(g) and HCl(g) molecules are held together by covalent bonding as a result of electron sharing.