Multiple Choice
Which of the following properties of an element are most directly affected by the distribution of its electrons?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Chemical Bonds
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Which of the following chemical bonds is the most polar?
A
H–Br
B
H–F
C
H–I
D
H–Cl
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that bond polarity depends on the difference in electronegativity between the two atoms involved in the bond. The greater the difference, the more polar the bond.
Recall the electronegativity values of the halogens involved: Fluorine (F) has the highest electronegativity, followed by Chlorine (Cl), Bromine (Br), and Iodine (I). Hydrogen (H) has a lower electronegativity than all these halogens.
Calculate or compare the electronegativity differences for each bond: \(\Delta EN = |EN_{halogen} - EN_H|\) for H–F, H–Cl, H–Br, and H–I.
Recognize that since Fluorine has the highest electronegativity, the difference \(\Delta EN\) for H–F will be the largest, making the H–F bond the most polar.
Conclude that the bond polarity order follows the electronegativity difference, so H–F is more polar than H–Cl, H–Br, and H–I.
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