Using electronegativity arguments, classify the following diatomic molecules as nonpolar (N), polar (P), or ionic (I), and enter five letters in order (e.g. NPNPI, INPNP, etc) : NaF, HF, NaH, CaO, and F2.
Look up electronegativity (EN)of each element and subtract to obtain a delta EN for the compound. I don't know what you teacher is using for a cut off point but I use 2.1 or so. Use what your teacher recommends. Above that value is ionic. Zero is non-polar. Between those two values is polar. Delta EN for F2, of course, is zero so that is N. CaO is 3.5 - 1.0 = 2.5 = ionic. Etc.
To classify the diatomic molecules as nonpolar (N), polar (P), or ionic (I), we can use electronegativity (EN) arguments. Here are the steps to determine the classifications:
1. Look up the electronegativity values of each element in the diatomic molecules. Electronegativity values can be found in a periodic table or reference source.
2. Calculate the difference in electronegativity (delta EN) between the two elements in each diatomic molecule. This is done by subtracting the electronegativity of the less electronegative element from the electronegativity of the more electronegative element.
3. Compare the calculated delta EN value with a cut-off point, typically around 2.1. This cut-off point represents the threshold for determining the classification of the molecule.
4. If the delta EN value is above the cut-off point, the molecule is considered ionic (I). If the delta EN value is zero, the molecule is nonpolar (N). If the delta EN value is between zero and the cut-off point, the molecule is polar (P).
Using these steps, let's classify the diatomic molecules given:
NaF: The electronegativity of sodium (Na) is 0.9, and the electronegativity of fluorine (F) is 3.98. Calculating the delta EN: 3.98 - 0.9 = 3.08. Since the delta EN is above the cut-off point, NaF is classified as ionic (I).
HF: The electronegativity of hydrogen (H) is 2.20, and the electronegativity of fluorine (F) is 3.98. Calculating the delta EN: 3.98 - 2.20 = 1.78. Since the delta EN is between zero and the cut-off point, HF is classified as polar (P).
NaH: The electronegativity of sodium (Na) is 0.9, and the electronegativity of hydrogen (H) is 2.20. Calculating the delta EN: 2.20 - 0.9 = 1.30. Since the delta EN is between zero and the cut-off point, NaH is classified as polar (P).
CaO: The electronegativity of calcium (Ca) is 1.0, and the electronegativity of oxygen (O) is 3.44. Calculating the delta EN: 3.44 - 1.0 = 2.44. Since the delta EN is above the cut-off point, CaO is classified as ionic (I).
F2: Since both fluorine atoms have the same electronegativity of 3.98, the delta EN is zero. Therefore, F2 is classified as nonpolar (N).
Based on these calculations, the classifications for the diatomic molecules are as follows:
NaF: I
HF: P
NaH: P
CaO: I
F2: N