Question

Which one of the following has a non-zero resultant dipole moment?

• A. BeF\(_2\)
• B. NF\(_3\)
• C. BF\(_3\)
• D. CO\(_2\)

Hint:

To determine if a molecule has a non-zero dipole moment, check if it has a symmetrical geometry. If the geometry is asymmetrical, like in NF\(_3\), it likely has a non-zero dipole moment.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine the molecule with a non-zero dipole moment, we need to consider the symmetry of the molecule and the electronegativity difference between the atoms.
- In BeF\(_2\), BF\(_3\), and CO\(_2\), the molecules are linear or symmetrical, and the individual dipoles cancel each other out, resulting in zero dipole moment.
- In NF\(_3\), the molecule has a trigonal pyramidal shape with nitrogen as the central atom and fluorine atoms at the corners. The individual dipoles do not cancel, leading to a non-zero resultant dipole moment.
Thus, NF\(_3\) has a non-zero dipole moment.