Questions: Select all of the following that are nonpolar molecules? H₂ CH₄ H₂O O₂ all of these

Solution Steps

To determine if a molecule is nonpolar, we need to consider both the electronegativity differences between the atoms and the molecular geometry.

1. $\mathrm{H}_{2}$ (Hydrogen gas):

   • This molecule consists of two identical hydrogen atoms.
   • The electronegativity difference is zero, and the molecule is linear.
   • Therefore, $\mathrm{H}_{2}$ is nonpolar.

2. $\mathrm{CH}_{4}$ (Methane):

   • Methane has a central carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms.
   • The C-H bonds have a small electronegativity difference, and the molecule is tetrahedral.
   • The symmetry of the tetrahedral shape makes $\mathrm{CH}_{4}$ nonpolar.

3. $\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}$ (Water):

   • Water has a bent shape due to the two lone pairs on the oxygen atom.
   • The O-H bonds have a significant electronegativity difference.
   • The asymmetrical shape makes $\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}$ polar.

4. $\mathrm{O}_{2}$ (Oxygen gas):

   • This molecule consists of two identical oxygen atoms.
   • The electronegativity difference is zero, and the molecule is linear.
   • Therefore, $\mathrm{O}_{2}$ is nonpolar.

From the analysis above, the nonpolar molecules are:

• $\mathrm{H}_{2}$
• $\mathrm{CH}_{4}$
• $\mathrm{O}_{2}$

Final Answer