Would copper (II) phosphate be nonpolar?
I would consider Cu3(PO4)2 to be polar. It is an ionic compound (the phosphate part is covalent)
To determine whether copper (II) phosphate (Cu3(PO4)2) is nonpolar, we need to consider its molecular structure.
Copper (II) phosphate consists of copper ions (Cu2+) and phosphate ions (PO43-) bonded together. The phosphate ion is a tetrahedral molecule with a central phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms. Each copper ion is surrounded by six oxygen atoms in an octahedral arrangement.
To determine the overall polarity of a molecule, we need to consider the polarity of its bonds and the molecular geometry. Polar bonds result from the unequal sharing of electrons between atoms with different electronegativities. If a molecule has polar bonds, the molecule can be polar or nonpolar depending on the arrangement of the polar bonds.
In the case of copper (II) phosphate, the individual bonds within the phosphate ion (PO43-) are polar due to the difference in electronegativity between phosphorus and oxygen. However, when considering the molecular geometry, the three phosphate ions are symmetrically arranged around each copper ion in an octahedral shape. This symmetry leads to the cancellation of any net dipole moment, resulting in a nonpolar molecule.
So, to answer your question, copper (II) phosphate (Cu3(PO4)2) is nonpolar due to its overall molecular geometry, despite having polar bonds within the phosphate ion.