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Chapter 6: Problem 6

Describe a molecular dipole.

Short Answer

Expert verified
A molecular dipole is a separation of charge within a molecule that creates two poles, one positive and one negative. It arises due to differences in electronegativity between atoms within a molecule and the molecule's asymmetrical structure.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Molecular Dipole

A molecular dipole is generated when there is a net separation of positive and negative electric charges within a molecule. This occurs when one or more atoms of high electronegativity (such as Oxygen, Nitrogen, or Fluorine) are bonded to atoms of lower electronegativity (such as Hydrogen or Carbon).
02

Understanding Molecular Polarity

Molecular polarity refers to the uneven distribution of molecular charge. It is determined by the difference in electronegativity between atoms in a molecule and the asymmetry of the compound’s structure. When a molecule is symmetrical, it is nonpolar, and when it is asymmetric, it is polar.
03

Identifying a Molecular Dipole

To identify if a molecule has a dipole, we must check two features: a) If there is a difference in electronegativity between the atoms, and b) The molecule's structure is not symmetric. The larger the electronegativity difference between the atoms, the larger the molecular dipole could be. For the structure: if the polar bonds are symmetrical, they will cancel out, making the molecule nonpolar.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Name the following covalent compounds. a. \(\mathrm{SF}_{4}\) b. \(\mathrm{XeF}_{4}\) c. \(\mathrm{PBr}_{5}\) d. \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{5}\) e. \(\mathrm{Si}_{3} \mathrm{N}_{4}\)

What is the difference between a dipole and electronegativity difference?

Draw three resonance structures for \(\mathrm{NO}_{3}^{-}\)

How are bond energy and bond strength related?

Use the following terms to create a concept map: valence electrons, nonpolar, covalent compounds, polar, dipoles, and Lewis structures.
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