Chemistry Chemical Bonding ETEA 2024
PMDC Verified Question 10 of 102
Which one of the following molecules has a zero dipole moment?
A
\( \text{BF}_3 \)
B
\( \text{NF}_3 \)
C
\( \text{NH}_3 \)
D
\( \text{H}_2\text{O} \)
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option A: \( \text{BF}_3 \)
Concept:

A molecule has a zero dipole moment when it possesses perfect structural symmetry and lacks distorting lone pairs on the central atom.

Formula:

$$ \sum \vec{\mu} = 0 \quad (\text{Trigonal Planar}) $$

Solution:

  • Boron trifluoride (\( \text{BF}_3 \)) has a central Boron atom with exactly 3 bonding pairs and 0 lone pairs.


  • This gives it a flat, perfectly symmetrical trigonal planar shape with 120° angles.


  • The highly polar pulls of the three Fluorine atoms perfectly cancel each other out in 2D space, leaving the molecule non-polar overall.


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option B, Option C, Option D: All of these central atoms (N, O) possess lone pairs, distorting the molecular symmetry into pyramidal or bent shapes, meaning the bond dipoles cannot cancel out.

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