Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 9: Problem 39

(a) Does \(\mathrm{SCl}_{2}\) have a dipole moment? If so, in which direction does the net dipole point? (b) Does \(\mathrm{BeCl}_{2}\) have a dipole moment? If so, in which direction does the net dipole point?

Short Answer

Expert verified
(a) Yes, SCl\(_2\) has a dipole moment. The net dipole points towards the chlorine atoms. (b) No, BeCl\(_2\) does not have a dipole moment due to its linear geometry.

Step by step solution

01

SCl2:

Sulfur has 6 valence electrons, and chlorine has 7. SCl2 has 20 electrons in total (6 from sulfur, 2*7 from chlorine). To find the molecular geometry, place sulfur in the center and attach the two chlorine atoms. Since there are two lone pairs on sulfur and two bonding pairs, the molecular geometry of SCl2 is bent (V-shaped). Now we need to find if there is a net difference in electronegativity between sulfur and chlorine.
02

Electronegativity:

Looking at the periodic table, we can find the electronegativity for sulfur and chlorine. Sulfur: 2.58 and Chlorine: 3.16. So there's a net difference in electronegativity between sulfur and chlorine (3.16 - 2.58 = 0.58).
03

Dipole moment of SCl2:

Since there is a net difference in electronegativity between sulfur and chlorine and the molecular geometry is bent, SCl2 will have a dipole moment. The direction of the net dipole will point toward the chlorine atoms, as chlorine is more electronegative than sulfur.
04

BeCl2:

Beryllium has 2 valence electrons and chlorine has 7. BeCl2 has 16 electrons in total (2 from beryllium, 2*7 from chlorine). To find the molecular geometry, place beryllium in the center and attach the two chlorine atoms. Since there are no lone pairs on beryllium and two bonding pairs, the molecular geometry of BeCl2 is linear.
05

Electronegativity:

Looking at the periodic table, we can find the electronegativity for beryllium and chlorine. Beryllium: 1.57 and Chlorine: 3.16. So there's a net difference in electronegativity between beryllium and chlorine (3.16 - 1.57 = 1.59).
06

Dipole moment of BeCl2:

Although there is a net difference in electronegativity between Be and Cl, BeCl2 molecule has a linear molecular geometry, which results in the cancellation of individual dipole moments. Due to this cancellation, BeCl2 does not have a net dipole moment. In conclusion, SCl2 has a dipole moment and the net dipole points towards the chlorine atoms. BeCl2 does not have a dipole moment due to its linear geometry.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

The molecules \(\mathrm{SiF}_{4}, \mathrm{SF}_{4},\) and \(\mathrm{XeF}_{4}\) have molecular formulas of the type \(\mathrm{AF}_{4}\), but the molecules have different molecular geometries. Predict the shape of each molecule, and explain why the shapes differ.

(a) What is the difference between a localized \(\pi\) bond and a delocalized one? (b) How can you determine whether a molecule or ion will exhibit delocalized \(\pi\) bonding? (c) Is the \(\pi\) bond in \(\mathrm{NO}_{2}^{-}\) localized or delocalized?

(a) What does the term paramagnetism mean? (b) How can one determine experimentally whether a substance is paramagnetic? (c) Which of the following ions would you expect to be paramagnetic: \(\mathrm{O}_{2}^{+}, \mathrm{N}_{2}^{2-}, \mathrm{Li}_{2}^{+}, \mathrm{O}_{2}^{2-} ?\) For those ions that are paramagnetic, determine the number of unpaired electrons.

What are the electron-domain and molecular geometries of a molecule that has the following electron domains on its central atom? (a) three bonding domains and no nonbonding domains, (b) three bonding domains and one nonbonding domain, (c) two bonding domains and two nonbonding domains.

Describe the characteristic electron-domain geometry of each of the following numbers of electron domains about a central atom: \((a) 3,(b) 4,(c) 5,(d) 6\)
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free