is PH(3) polar or non-polar and why?

Answer 1

Since PH3 is a trigonal pyramidal molecule, the bond dipoles do not cancel each other out so there is an overall molecular dipole.

Answer 2

this is a tricky question

the PH3 molecule has 3 P-H bonds and one lone pair on the P

the electronegativities of P and H are essentially the same, so you would expect the bonds between the P and H to be nonpolar and the entire molecule to be nonpolar

BUT

there is a slight shift of electron density toward the lone pair and there is a slight dipole moment for the moleucle and it is slightly polar

Answer 3

It is probably weakly polar. As an analog to the polar NH3, the P atom has an unshared pair of electrons. However, the atom is larger, and the polar effect decreases with size.

Answer 4

HINT:

To get this answer, you have to see two things,

Which is more electronegative P or H

and

Is the molecular linear?