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AP Chemistry
2.7 VSEPR and Hybridization
2.1 Types of Chemical Bonds
IntermediateMCQConceptualExperimental14.2k
A student investigates two structural isomers with the molecular formula \(\text{C}_2\text{H}_2\text{Cl}_2\): cis-1,2-dichloroethene and trans-1,2-dichloroethene. Chlorine is substantially more electronegative than carbon, creating polar \(\text{C}-\text{Cl}\) bonds in both molecules. The student hypothesizes that the cis isomer possesses a net molecular dipole moment, whereas the trans isomer is nonpolar because its individual bond dipoles cancel due to symmetry. Which of the following experimental observations would provide the best evidence to identify an unknown liquid sample as the cis isomer rather than the trans isomer?

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