Question

is bcl₃ a polar or a nonpolar molecule? polar nonpolar

Explanation:

To determine if \( BCl_3 \) is polar or non - polar, we consider its molecular geometry and bond polarity.

• Bond Polarity: The \( B - Cl \) bonds are polar because of the electronegativity difference between \( B \) (electronegativity \( = 2.04 \)) and \( Cl \) (electronegativity \( = 3.16 \)).
• Molecular Geometry: \( BCl_3 \) has a trigonal planar geometry (\( sp^2 \) hybridization of \( B \) atom). In a trigonal planar molecule, the bond dipoles are symmetrically arranged. The vector sum of the bond dipoles in \( BCl_3 \) is zero.

Answer:

nonpolar