Question:medium

Which molecule has a net dipole moment of zero among \(NH_3\), \(H_2O\), \(NF_3\), and \(CCl_4\)?

Show Hint

Highly symmetrical molecules such as \(CO_2\), \(BF_3\), and \(CCl_4\) often have zero dipole moment because individual bond dipoles cancel out.
Updated On: Apr 28, 2026
  • \(NH_3\)
  • \(H_2O\)
  • \(NF_3\)
  • \(CCl_4\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Topic - Chemistry: Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
We need to identify the molecule where the vector sum of all individual bond dipole moments is zero.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
A molecule has a zero dipole moment (\(\mu = 0\)) if it is perfectly symmetrical and the bond dipoles cancel each other out.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
1. \(NH_3\): It has a pyramidal shape with a lone pair. The bond dipoles and lone pair moment add up, so \(\mu \neq 0\).

2. \(H_2O\): It has a bent (V-shape) structure with two lone pairs. The dipoles do not cancel, so \(\mu \neq 0\).

3. \(NF_3\): Similar to \(NH_3\), it has a pyramidal shape. Although \(N-F\) dipoles oppose the lone pair, they don't cancel perfectly, so \(\mu \neq 0\).

4. \(CCl_4\): It has a perfect tetrahedral geometry. All four \(C-Cl\) bonds are identical and directed towards the corners of a tetrahedron. The vector sum of these four dipoles is exactly zero.
Step 4: Final Answer:
\(CCl_4\) has a net dipole moment of zero.
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