Question

Assertion: A molecule of silicon tetrachloride ($SiC{l}_4$) is nonpolar.

Reason: The four bonds in $SiC{l}_4$ are identical and the molecule has a tetrahedral structure.

• A. Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion
• B. Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion
• C. Assertion is correct but Reason is not correct
• D. Assertion is not correct but Reason is correct
  
• E. Both the Assertion and Reason are not correct

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion

The geometry of a silicon tetrachloride ($Si{Cl}_4$) molecule is tetrahedral. The molecule consists of a central $Si$ atom, which has a coordination number of 4. Four chlorides ($Cl$) atoms can bond to $Si$. When they do, they assume a geometry around the $Si$, in such a way as to put maximum distance between themselves/each other, and minimise repulsion. This results in a tetrahedral configuration. Therefore, the molecule has no net dipole moment.