In a molecule of hydrogen chloride (HCl), which atom does the electron density shift toward, indicating the direction of polarity?

• A. Toward the hydrogen atom
• B. Toward the chlorine atom
• C. Equally between hydrogen and chlorine
• D. Away from both atoms

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the atoms involved in the molecule: hydrogen (H) and chlorine (Cl).
2. Recall that polarity in a molecule arises due to differences in electronegativity between atoms.
3. Compare the electronegativities of hydrogen and chlorine; chlorine has a higher electronegativity than hydrogen.
4. Understand that the electron density shifts toward the more electronegative atom, which attracts electrons more strongly.
5. Conclude that in HCl, the electron density shifts toward the chlorine atom, indicating the molecule's polarity direction.