Question

decide whether each molecule or polyatomic ion is polar or nonpolar. if the molecule or polyatomic ion is polar, write the chemical symbol of the atom closest to the negative side. for example, if the molecule were hcl and you decided the hydrogen atom was closest to the negative side of the molecule, youd enter \h\ in the last column of the table.

molecule or polyatomic ion	polar or nonpolar?	atom closest to negative side
ccl₄	polar<br>nonpolar
ocs	polar<br>nonpolar

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze $Br_2$

Two identical bromine atoms have equal electronegativities. There is no charge separation, so it is non - polar.

Step2: Analyze $CCl_4$

The molecule has a tetrahedral geometry. The symmetric distribution of the polar C - Cl bonds results in a non - polar molecule as the bond dipoles cancel out.

Step3: Analyze OCS

Oxygen is more electronegative than carbon and sulfur. There is a net dipole moment, so it is polar. Oxygen is the most electronegative atom, so it is closest to the negative side.

Answer:

molecule or polyatomic ion	polar or nonpolar?	atom closest to negative side
$CCl_4$	nonpolar
OCS	polar	O