Questions: This sketch of a neutral molecule is shaded red or blue wherever the electrostatic potential at the molecule's surface isn't zero. What could the chemical formula of the molecule be?

This sketch of a neutral molecule is shaded red or blue wherever the electrostatic potential at the molecule's surface isn't zero. What could the chemical formula of the molecule be?

Transcript text: This sketch of a neutral molecule is shaded red or blue wherever the electrostatic potential at the molecule's surface isn't zero. What could the chemical formula of the molecule be?

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Understanding Electrostatic Potential Maps

Electrostatic potential maps show the distribution of electric charge over a molecule. Areas shaded red typically indicate regions of negative potential (electron-rich), while blue areas indicate positive potential (electron-poor). A neutral molecule with non-zero electrostatic potential suggests an uneven distribution of charge, often due to polar bonds.

Step 2: Analyzing Possible Molecules

We need to determine which of the given molecules could have a non-zero electrostatic potential:

ClF (Chlorine monofluoride): This molecule is polar due to the difference in electronegativity between Cl and F, leading to a non-zero electrostatic potential.
C\(_2\)H\(_2\) (Acetylene): This molecule is non-polar as it is linear and symmetrical, resulting in zero electrostatic potential.
H\(_2\)CO (Formaldehyde): This molecule is polar due to the C=O bond, leading to a non-zero electrostatic potential.
H\(_2\)O\(_2\) (Hydrogen peroxide): This molecule is polar due to the O-H bonds and the bent shape, leading to a non-zero electrostatic potential.

Step 3: Selecting the Correct Molecules

Based on the analysis, the molecules that could have a non-zero electrostatic potential are ClF, H\(_2\)CO, and H\(_2\)O\(_2\).