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Topic: Methane-- Nonpolar Covalent Molecule?  (Read 5848 times)

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Offline FutureDoc

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Methane-- Nonpolar Covalent Molecule?
« on: November 17, 2007, 08:52:18 PM »
Why is CH4 considered a nonpolar covalent molecule?

Offline Sev

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Re: Methane-- Nonpolar Covalent Molecule?
« Reply #1 on: November 17, 2007, 09:11:47 PM »
Quote
Why is CH4 considered a nonpolar covalent molecule?

Because it is both nonpolar and covalent.  :)

Nonpolar because e-s are shared equally.

Offline FutureDoc

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Re: Methane-- Nonpolar Covalent Molecule?
« Reply #2 on: November 17, 2007, 11:34:34 PM »
But the electronegativity of C is 2.5, and the EN of H is 2.1.

Offline agrobert

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Re: Methane-- Nonpolar Covalent Molecule?
« Reply #3 on: November 17, 2007, 11:47:29 PM »
Their electronegativities are close which is why they are covalent.
In the realm of scientific observation, luck is only granted to those who are prepared. -Louis Pasteur

Offline FutureDoc

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Re: Methane-- Nonpolar Covalent Molecule?
« Reply #4 on: November 17, 2007, 11:52:53 PM »
The fact that there are 4 Hydrogens to only 1 Carbon doesn't matter?

Offline agrobert

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Re: Methane-- Nonpolar Covalent Molecule?
« Reply #5 on: November 17, 2007, 11:58:42 PM »
Carbon has four bonds to complete its octet.
In the realm of scientific observation, luck is only granted to those who are prepared. -Louis Pasteur

Offline FutureDoc

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Re: Methane-- Nonpolar Covalent Molecule?
« Reply #6 on: November 17, 2007, 11:59:45 PM »
True. Thanks.

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