Molecular Polarity Quiz

Reviewed by Zohra Sattar
Zohra Sattar, PhD, Chemistry |
Chemistry Expert
Review Board Member
Dr. Zohra Sattar Waxali earned her doctorate in chemistry and biochemistry from Northwestern University, specializing in the metallomes of cardiac cells and stem cells, and their impact on biological function. Her research encompasses the development of arsenoplatin chemotherapeutics, stapled peptide estrogen receptor inhibitors, and antimicrobial natural products. With her expertise, Dr. Waxali ensures the accuracy and relevance of our chemistry quizzes, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of chemical principles and advancements in the field.
, PhD, Chemistry
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Molecular Polarity Quiz - Quiz


Check out our interesting 'Molecular Polarity Quiz' that we've designed below for you. If you think you understand this topic really well, then you must try playing this quiz. This test is based entirely on the topic of molecular polarity and its related concepts. So, try your hands on this quiz and see how well you can score. If you score more than 70%, it means that you've passed this test. So, get ready and start answering. Best of luck to you!


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    What is the molecular polarity of H2 and why?

    • A.

      It is polar, because its charges are distributed asymmetrically and its geometric shape is asymmetrical.

    • B.

      It is nonpolar, because its charges are distributed symmetrically and its geometric shape is symmetrical.

    • C.

      It is polar, because its charges are distributed symmetrically and its geometric shape is symmetrical.

    • D.

      It is nonpolar, because its charges are distributed asymmetrically and its geometric shape is asymmetrical.

    Correct Answer
    B. It is nonpolar, because its charges are distributed symmetrically and its geometric shape is symmetrical.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that H2 is nonpolar because its charges are distributed symmetrically and its geometric shape is symmetrical. In a nonpolar molecule, the electron distribution is equal, resulting in no partial charges. H2 consists of two hydrogen atoms, and since they are identical, the electron distribution is symmetrical, making it nonpolar. The geometric shape of H2 is linear, which further supports its nonpolarity.

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  • 2. 

    What is the molecular polarity of NCl3 and why?

    • A.

      It is polar, because its charges are distributed asymmetrically and its geometric shape is asymmetrical.

    • B.

      It is nonpolar, because its charges are distributed symmetrically and its geometric shape is symmetrical.

    • C.

      It is polar, because its charges are distributed symmetrically and its geometric shape is symmetrical.

    • D.

      It is nonpolar, because its charges are distributed asymmetrically and its geometric shape is asymmetrical.

    Correct Answer
    A. It is polar, because its charges are distributed asymmetrically and its geometric shape is asymmetrical.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "It is polar, because its charges are distributed asymmetrically and its geometric shape is asymmetrical." This is because the molecule NCl3 has a trigonal pyramidal shape, with the nitrogen atom at the center and three chlorine atoms surrounding it. The nitrogen atom has a lone pair of electrons, which causes the molecule to be asymmetrical. This leads to an uneven distribution of charges, with the chlorine atoms having a slightly negative charge and the nitrogen atom having a slightly positive charge. Therefore, NCl3 is a polar molecule.

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  • 3. 

    What is the molecular polarity of CO2 and why?

    • A.

      It is polar, because its charges are distributed asymmetrically and its geometric shape is asymmetrical.

    • B.

      It is nonpolar, because its charges are distributed symmetrically and its geometric shape is symmetrical.

    • C.

      It is polar, because its charges are distributed symmetrically and its geometric shape is symmetrical.

    • D.

      It is nonpolar, because its charges are distributed asymmetrically and its geometric shape is asymmetrical.

    Correct Answer
    B. It is nonpolar, because its charges are distributed symmetrically and its geometric shape is symmetrical.
    Explanation
    CO2 is a linear molecule with two oxygen atoms bonded to a central carbon atom. The oxygen atoms are more electronegative than carbon, causing them to pull the electron density towards themselves. However, since the molecule is linear, the oxygen atoms pull equally in opposite directions, resulting in a symmetrical distribution of charges. This symmetrical charge distribution cancels out the polarity of the individual bonds, making the molecule nonpolar overall. Additionally, the geometric shape of CO2 is also symmetrical, further supporting its nonpolar nature.

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  • 4. 

    What is the molecular polarity of H2O and why?

    • A.

      It is polar, because its charges are distributed asymmetrically and its geometric shape is asymmetrical.

    • B.

      It is nonpolar, because its charges are distributed symmetrically and its geometric shape is symmetrical.

    • C.

      It is polar, because its charges are distributed symmetrically and its geometric shape is symmetrical.

    • D.

      It is nonpolar, because its charges are distributed asymmetrically and its geometric shape is asymmetrical.

    Correct Answer
    A. It is polar, because its charges are distributed asymmetrically and its geometric shape is asymmetrical.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "It is polar, because its charges are distributed asymmetrically and its geometric shape is asymmetrical." This is because in a water molecule (H2O), the oxygen atom is more electronegative than the hydrogen atoms, causing an uneven distribution of charge. The oxygen atom pulls the shared electrons closer to itself, creating a partial negative charge on the oxygen and partial positive charges on the hydrogen atoms. Additionally, the arrangement of the atoms in a water molecule is bent or V-shaped, which is an asymmetrical shape. This combination of uneven charge distribution and asymmetrical shape makes H2O a polar molecule.

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  • 5. 

    What is the molecular polarity of CO and why?

    • A.

      It is polar, because its charges are distributed asymmetrically and its geometric shape is asymmetrical.

    • B.

      It is nonpolar, because its charges are distributed symmetrically and its geometric shape is symmetrical.

    • C.

      It is polar, because its charges are distributed symmetrically and its geometric shape is symmetrical.

    • D.

      It is nonpolar, because its charges are distributed asymmetrically and its geometric shape is asymmetrical.

    Correct Answer
    A. It is polar, because its charges are distributed asymmetrically and its geometric shape is asymmetrical.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that CO is polar because its charges are distributed asymmetrically and its geometric shape is asymmetrical. In CO, the oxygen atom is more electronegative than the carbon atom, causing a partial negative charge on the oxygen and a partial positive charge on the carbon. This uneven distribution of charge creates a polar molecule. Additionally, the molecule has a linear shape, with the oxygen atom on one side and the carbon atom on the other, making it asymmetrical. This further contributes to its polarity.

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  • 6. 

    What is the molecular polarity of O2 and why?

    • A.

      It is polar, because its charges are distributed asymmetrically and its geometric shape is asymmetrical.

    • B.

      It is nonpolar, because its charges are distributed symmetrically and its geometric shape is symmetrical.

    • C.

      It is polar, because its charges are distributed symmetrically and its geometric shape is symmetrical.

    • D.

      It is nonpolar, because its charges are distributed asymmetrically and its geometric shape is asymmetrical.

    Correct Answer
    B. It is nonpolar, because its charges are distributed symmetrically and its geometric shape is symmetrical.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that O2 is nonpolar because its charges are distributed symmetrically and its geometric shape is symmetrical. In the O2 molecule, both oxygen atoms have the same electronegativity, resulting in an equal sharing of electrons and no partial charges. Additionally, the molecule has a linear shape with the oxygen atoms on opposite sides, creating a symmetric distribution of charges. As a result, the molecule has no overall dipole moment and is considered nonpolar.

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  • 7. 

    Why does sucrose dissolve in water, while octane does not?

    • A.

      Sucrose is a nonpolar molecule, while octane is a polar molecule. Because sucrose and water have different molecular polarities, sucrose dissolves in water.

    • B.

      Sucrose does not dissolve in water.

    • C.

      Sucrose is a polar molecule, like water is, while octane is a nonpolar molecule. Since sucrose and water have the same molecular polarities, based on "like dissolves like", sucrose will dissolve in water. On the other hand, octane and water do NOT have similar polarities, so octane will not dissolve in water.

    • D.

      Sucrose is covalent, like water is.

    Correct Answer
    C. Sucrose is a polar molecule, like water is, while octane is a nonpolar molecule. Since sucrose and water have the same molecular polarities, based on "like dissolves like", sucrose will dissolve in water. On the other hand, octane and water do NOT have similar polarities, so octane will not dissolve in water.
    Explanation
    Sucrose is a polar molecule because it has polar covalent bonds and an asymmetrical shape, resulting in an uneven distribution of charge. Water is also a polar molecule due to its bent shape and polar covalent bonds. The similar polarities of sucrose and water allow them to attract each other through intermolecular forces, such as hydrogen bonding, leading to the dissolution of sucrose in water. On the other hand, octane is a nonpolar molecule because it has only nonpolar covalent bonds and a symmetrical shape, resulting in an even distribution of charge. The different polarities of octane and water prevent them from attracting each other, leading to the inability of octane to dissolve in water.

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  • 8. 

    Why is octanol more soluble in water than octane is?

    • A.

      Octanol is a nonpolar molecule, while octane is a polar molecule. Because octanol and water have different molecular polarities, octanol dissolves in water.

    • B.

      Octanol is a polar molecule, like water is, while octane is a nonpolar molecule. Since octanol and water have the same molecular polarities, based on "like dissolves like", octanol will dissolve in water. On the other hand, octane and water do NOT have similar polarities, so octane will not dissolve in water.

    • C.

      Octanol is covalent, like water is.

    • D.

      Octanol and octane have the same solubility in water.

    Correct Answer
    B. Octanol is a polar molecule, like water is, while octane is a nonpolar molecule. Since octanol and water have the same molecular polarities, based on "like dissolves like", octanol will dissolve in water. On the other hand, octane and water do NOT have similar polarities, so octane will not dissolve in water.
    Explanation
    Octanol is a polar molecule, like water is, while octane is a nonpolar molecule. Since octanol and water have the same molecular polarities, based on "like dissolves like", octanol will dissolve in water. On the other hand, octane and water do NOT have similar polarities, so octane will not dissolve in water.

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  • 9. 

    How would you describe the molecular polarity and the charge distribution of NF3?

    • A.

      Nonpolar molecule, asymmetrical distribution of charge

    • B.

      Nonpolar molecule, symmetrical distribution of charge

    • C.

      Polar molecule, symmetrical distribution of charge

    • D.

      Polar molecule, asymmetrical distribution of charge

    Correct Answer
    D. Polar molecule, asymmetrical distribution of charge
    Explanation
    NF3 is a polar molecule because it has a lone pair of electrons on the central nitrogen atom, causing an asymmetrical distribution of charge. The three fluorine atoms surrounding the nitrogen atom pull the electron density towards them, creating a partial negative charge on the fluorine atoms and a partial positive charge on the nitrogen atom. This results in an overall dipole moment, making NF3 a polar molecule.

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  • 10. 

    How would you describe the molecular polarity and the charge distribution of CF4?

    • A.

      Nonpolar molecule, asymmetrical distribution of charge

    • B.

      Nonpolar molecule, symmetrical distribution of charge

    • C.

      Polar molecule, symmetrical distribution of charge

    • D.

      Polar molecule, asymmetrical distribution of charge

    Correct Answer
    B. Nonpolar molecule, symmetrical distribution of charge
    Explanation
    CF4 is a nonpolar molecule because it has a symmetrical distribution of charge. In CF4, the carbon atom is surrounded by four fluorine atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement. Each fluorine atom pulls the electron density towards itself, resulting in a symmetrical distribution of charge around the carbon atom. The fluorine atoms are equally distributed around the carbon atom, creating a symmetrical charge distribution. As a result, the molecule has no net dipole moment and is considered nonpolar.

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  • 11. 

    Why is a molecule of 1-octanol polar?

    • A.

      It has an asymmetrical distribution of charge

    • B.

      It has a symmetrical distribution of charge

    Correct Answer
    A. It has an asymmetrical distribution of charge
    Explanation
    A molecule of 1-octanol is polar because it has an asymmetrical distribution of charge. This means that the molecule has regions with partial positive charges and regions with partial negative charges, creating a dipole moment. The oxygen atom in 1-octanol is more electronegative than the carbon and hydrogen atoms, causing it to pull the shared electrons towards itself, resulting in a partial negative charge. This unequal sharing of electrons creates a polar bond between the oxygen and hydrogen atoms, making the molecule overall polar.

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  • 12. 

    Why is a molecule of propane nonpolar?

    • A.

      It has an asymmetrical distribution of charge

    • B.

      It has a symmetrical distribution of charge

    Correct Answer
    B. It has a symmetrical distribution of charge
    Explanation
    A molecule of propane is nonpolar because it has a symmetrical distribution of charge. In propane, the carbon atoms are bonded to each other in a straight chain, with three hydrogen atoms attached to each carbon atom. The carbon-hydrogen bonds are nonpolar, and since the molecule is symmetrical, the distribution of charge is also symmetrical. This means that the molecule does not have any regions of partial positive or partial negative charge, resulting in a nonpolar molecule.

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Zohra Sattar |PhD, Chemistry |
Chemistry Expert
Dr. Zohra Sattar Waxali earned her doctorate in chemistry and biochemistry from Northwestern University, specializing in the metallomes of cardiac cells and stem cells, and their impact on biological function. Her research encompasses the development of arsenoplatin chemotherapeutics, stapled peptide estrogen receptor inhibitors, and antimicrobial natural products. With her expertise, Dr. Waxali ensures the accuracy and relevance of our chemistry quizzes, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of chemical principles and advancements in the field.

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Feb 02, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team

    Expert Reviewed by
    Zohra Sattar
  • Dec 02, 2015
    Quiz Created by
    Regentschemistry
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