When can a tetrahedral be non polar? [ENDORSED]
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When can a tetrahedral be non polar?
Can a molecule with a tetrahedral shape only be non-polar when all 4 surrounding atoms are the same?
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Re: When can a tetrahedral be non polar?
If all four surrounding atoms are the same in a tetrahedral, then the molecule will always be nonpolar. The only exception is if for some reason one or more of the surrounding atoms had a lone pair.
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Re: When can a tetrahedral be non polar?
Yes, Ethan is correct. Also remember the same goes for linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, square planar, trigonal bipyramidal, and octahedral configurations. Make sure all the binding atoms are the same!!
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Re: When can a tetrahedral be non polar?
A symmetrical molecule cannot be polar, regardless if the bonds within the molecule are polar or not.
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Re: When can a tetrahedral be non polar? [ENDORSED]
Remember that since the placement of the atoms around the central atom will affect the polarity if it includes different electornegativies; some compounds can have both a polar and nonpolar configuration based on how the peripheral atoms are arranged.
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