Question

question 20 (5 points)
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an ionic compound contains a single metal cation and a single non - metal atom. whats the structure of this molecule? is this molecule polar or non - polar?
a) trigonal planar, polar
b) linear, non - polar
c) linear, polar
d) trigonal planar, non - polar

Explanation:

1. First, analyze the ionic compound with one metal cation and one non - metal atom. The simplest ionic compounds like NaCl (sodium chloride) have a formula unit where the ratio of cation to anion is 1:1. The structure of such a compound (in the solid state, but for the molecular - like structure consideration here) has a linear arrangement between the cation and the anion.
2. Now, consider polarity. Ionic compounds are formed due to the transfer of electrons from metal to non - metal, creating ions with opposite charges. The bond between a metal cation and a non - metal anion is an ionic bond, and the overall molecule (or formula unit) has a dipole moment because of the separation of positive and negative charges. However, when we consider the molecular geometry (for the simple 1:1 ionic compound), the arrangement is linear. And since there is a significant difference in electronegativity between metal and non - metal, the molecule (formula unit) is polar. But wait, let's correct this a bit. In the case of a simple binary ionic compound with a 1:1 ratio (like LiF), the structure around the cation - anion interaction is linear. And because the two ions have opposite charges and are separated, the compound (the formula unit) has a dipole moment, so it is polar. But among the options, the linear structure with polar is option C. Wait, no, wait. Wait, ionic compounds: the key is that for a compound with one metal cation and one non - metal atom (like Na⁺ and Cl⁻), the arrangement is linear (the cation and anion are in a straight line). And since the bond is ionic (a type of polar bond, and the overall molecule has a dipole moment), the molecule (formula unit) is polar. So the structure is linear and the molecule is polar. So option C: Linear, polar.

Answer:

C) Linear, polar