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:
Does SO2 have a dipole moment?
A: SO2 has a dipole moment measured at 1.62 debye. This moment occurs due to the uneven distribution of positive and negative charges between the sulfur atom ... 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 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 general formula for alkenes?
A: Alkenes have a general formula of CnH2n, where "n" may equal any number larger than one. Alkenes are organic compounds that are generally only comprised of... Full Answer >Filed Under:
