Which formula represents a nonpolar molecule?
(1) hcl (3) nh3
(2) h2o (4) ch4

(4) CH4

Explanation:

When there are no polar bonds in a molecule, there is no permanent charge difference between one part of the molecule and another, and the molecule is nonpolar.

In option A, HCl is not nonpolar because Cl has a pretty high electronegativity of 3.16, the H-Cl bond is polar due to the electronegative difference. This means option A is wrong.

In option B, A water molecule is polar because (1) its O-H bonds are significantly polar, and (2) its bent geometry makes the distribution of those polar bonds asymmetrical. The side of the water molecule containing the more electronegative oxygen atom is partially negative, and the side of the molecule containing the less electronegative hydrogen atoms is partially positive.

In option C, NH3 is polar because it has 3 dipoles that do not cancel out. Each N-H bond is polar because N is more electronegative than H. NH3 is overall asymmetrical in its VSEPR shape, so the dipoles don't cancel out and it is therefore polar.

In option D, CH4 looks like a C in the middle with 4 H's coming off of it. It is nonpolar because the electronegative difference is balanced. The H's all have the same electronegativities, and all cancel out since they are opposite one another.