More Complex Molecules Contain Polar Bonds and Still Be Nonpolar

Can More Complex Molecules Contain Polar Bonds and Still Be Nonpolar  

We will simplify the math in this analysis by assigning the vectors representing the three identical B—F bonds an arbitrary magnitude of 1.00. The X, y coordinates for the end of arrow 1 are (0, 1.00). Determining the coordinates for the ends of arrows 2 and 3 requires the use of trigonometric functions. You may have learned the mnemonic SOH CAH TO A, where the letters stand for 

The X coordinate for the end of arrow 2 corresponds to the length of the line opposite the 60° angle. The hypotenuse of the triangle has a length of 1.00 (the arbitrarily assigned value). Therefore, using SOH, 

The magnitude of the y coordinate corresponds to the length of the line adjacent to the 60° angle. Using TOA, 

SO the y coordinate for the end of arrow 2 is -0.500. (The trigonometric formula gives us the length of the side. We know from the diagram that the sign of thisy component is negative.) 

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