Q:
Is SO2 polar or nonpolar?
A:
Quick Answer
SO2 is polar. Although oxygen and sulfur are both highly electronegative, oxygen is more electronegative than sulfur. Therefore, oxygen-sulfur bonds are slightly polar due to oxygen exerting more control over the electrons in the covalent bond.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
However, molecules are not necessarily polar just because there are polar bonds present in them. The reason that these polar bonds make SO2 polar is that the molecule is also bent, similarly to H2O, and is positioned with sulfur in the middle. Therefore, the molecule is not completely symmetrical. The side that has both oxygen atoms pointing toward it is partially negative, and the side that has a sulfur atom has a partial positive charge, causing the molecule to have a polarity.
Learn more about Atoms & MoleculesSources:
Related Questions
-
Q:
What is SO2 hybridization?
A: SO2, commonly known as sulfur dioxide, has an sp3 hybridization. The molecular geometry of sulfur dioxide consists of two oxygen atoms bonded to the centra... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is the oxidation number of sulfur in SO2?
A: The oxidation number for sulfur in SO2 is +4. To find this oxidation number, it is important to know that the sum of the oxidation numbers of atoms in comp... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is the molar mass of S02?
A: The molar mass of sulfur dioxide, represented by the chemical formula SO2, is 64.06 grams per mole. The molar mass is the sum of the atomic weight of each ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What two gases are unreactive?
A: Argon and radon are generally classified as nonreactive gases. These gaseous chemical elements are classified as noble gases in the periodic table. Full Answer >Filed Under:
