Question

How is geometrical symmetry related to the polarity of a molecule?


(A) An asymmetrical molecule is always nonpolar.


(B) An asymmetrical molecule can never be polar.


(C) A symmetrical molecule is always nonpolar.


(D) A symmetrical molecule is always polar.

Answer 1

If you note, the size of hydrogen, and electronegativity is smaller than that of fluoride. Even though you have 3, you will have electronegative fluorine (electronegativity, the ability to attract electrons) pulling density from carbon. This means that it will be asymmetric and look like this:

Answer 2

It's not exactly, but it is approximately. You have the fluorine actually closer, pulling it. Making the molecule itself polar. Meaning, that....