Chemistry: The Molecular Science (5th Edition)

Published by Cengage Learning
ISBN 10: 1285199049
ISBN 13: 978-1-28519-904-7

Chapter 7 - Molecular Structures - Questions for Review and Thought - Review Questions - Page 325a: 7

Answer

The poles can cancel each other out.

Work Step by Step

Consider $CH_4$, a molecule which has four polar bonds. The molecular geometry is tetrahedral, with no lone pairs. Consequently, the molecule is symmetric, for all of the bonded atoms are the same. As a result of this symmetry, the partial charges that occur due to the bonds cancel each other out.
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