Question

classify as polar or nonpolar. so2 * polar molecule nonpolar molecule

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze electronegativity difference

Oxygen is more electronegative than sulfur. In $SO_2$, there is a significant electronegativity difference between S and O atoms.

Step2: Examine molecular geometry

$SO_2$ has a bent molecular geometry due to the presence of a lone - pair on the sulfur atom. The polar bonds (S - O) do not cancel each other out because of the bent shape.

Answer:

polar molecule