Question

question 39 of 60 >
why can a molecule be considered nonpolar even though it contains polar bonds?
○ the molecule does not have any partial charges.
○ the molecule does not have a symmetrical shape.
○ the molecule has a symmetrical shape.
○ all the atoms in the molecule have the same electronegativity.
© bfw publishers

Explanation:

Polar bonds create partial charges, but if a molecule has a symmetrical shape, the dipole moments of these polar bonds cancel each other out. This results in an overall nonpolar molecule, even with individual polar bonds. The other options are incorrect: polar bonds do create partial charges; an asymmetrical shape would lead to a polar molecule; and atoms with the same electronegativity form nonpolar bonds, not polar ones.

Answer:

The molecule has a symmetrical shape.