Is a molecule of hydrogen chloride (HCl) polar or nonpolar?Multiple choice question.bothpolarnonpolarneither

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the molecular structure of hydrogen chloride (HCl).
2. Determine the electronegativity of the elements involved.
3. Analyze the molecular dipole moment.

Relevant Concepts

1. HCl is composed of hydrogen (H) and chlorine (Cl).
2. Electronegativity values:
   • H: 2.20
   • Cl: 3.16
3. A bond is polar if there is a significant difference in electronegativity between the two atoms.

Analysis and Detail

1. Electronegativity Difference: $\text{Electronegativity difference} = |3.16 - 2.20| = 0.96$ Since this value is greater than 0.4, the H-Cl bond is considered polar.

2. Molecular Geometry: HCl is a diatomic molecule with no other groups to cancel out the dipole moment. The polarity due to the difference in electronegativity is not canceled.

Verify and Summarize

• Given the polar nature of the H-Cl bond and that it is a linear molecule, HCl is a polar molecule.

Final Answer

HCl is polar.