Question icon
11 grade chemistry others

Which of the following is a polar molecule?

  • (A) XeF₄
  • (B) BF₃
  • (C) SF₄
  • (D) SiF₄

Profile image of Aniket Singh
10 Months agoGrade
Answers icon

1 Answer

Profile image of Askiitians Tutor Team
ApprovedApproved Tutor Answer10 Months ago

To determine which of the given options is a polar molecule, we need to consider the molecular geometry and the electronegativity of the atoms involved.

Analyzing the Options

  • (A) XeF₄: This molecule has a square planar shape, which is symmetrical. Therefore, it is nonpolar.
  • (B) BF₃: Boron trifluoride has a trigonal planar structure, making it symmetrical and nonpolar as well.
  • (C) SF₄: Sulfur tetrafluoride has a see-saw shape due to the presence of lone pairs on sulfur. This asymmetry leads to a net dipole moment, making it polar.
  • (D) SiF₄: Silicon tetrafluoride has a tetrahedral geometry, which is symmetrical, resulting in a nonpolar molecule.

Final Answer

The polar molecule among the options is SF₄.