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Which molecule has a permanent dipole? A - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 16 - 2021 - Paper 3
Question 16
Which molecule has a permanent dipole? A. BF₃ B. NH₃ C. SiCl₄ D. SO₂
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which molecule has a permanent dipole? A - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 16 - 2021 - Paper 3
Step 1
Identify the molecules and their structure
Answer
To determine which molecule has a permanent dipole, we first need to consider the structure of the molecules provided:
- BF₃ (Boron Trifluoride): This molecule has a trigonal planar geometry, leading to a symmetrical distribution of charge. Hence, it does not have a permanent dipole.
- NH₃ (Ammonia): This molecule has a trigonal pyramidal shape due to the lone pair on nitrogen. The molecule is asymmetrical, leading to a net dipole moment.
- SiCl₄ (Silicon Tetrachloride): This molecule has a tetrahedral structure, which is symmetrical in charge distribution. Therefore, it does not possess a permanent dipole.
- SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide): This molecule has a bent shape due to the lone pairs on sulfur, and thus, it has a dipole moment as well.
Based on this analysis, while both NH₃ and SO₂ have permanent dipoles, the question requests a single molecule.
Step 2