Electric dipole moments of molecules are often measured in debyes \((\mathrm{D}),\) where \(1 \mathrm{D}=3.34 \cdot 10^{-30} \mathrm{C} \mathrm{m} .\) For instance, the dipole moment of hydrogen chloride gas molecules is \(1.05 \mathrm{D}\). Calculate the maximum torque such a molecule can experience in the presence of an electric field of magnitude \(160.0 \mathrm{~N} / \mathrm{C}\).

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The maximum torque experienced by a hydrogen chloride gas molecule in the presence of the given electric field is approximately \(5.60 \times 10^{-28} \mathrm{N} \cdot \mathrm{m}\).

Step by step solution

01

Convert dipole moment from debyes to Cm

First, let's convert the given dipole moment from debyes \((D)\) to Coulombs per meter \((Cm)\). Use the conversion factor \(1 \mathrm{D} = 3.34 \cdot 10^{-30} \mathrm{Cm}\): $$ \text{dipole moment in Cm} = 1.05\, \mathrm{D} \times \frac{3.34 \cdot 10^{-30} \mathrm{Cm}}{1\,\mathrm{D}} $$ Calculate the value: $$ \text{dipole moment in Cm} = 1.05 \times 3.34 \times 10^{-30} \mathrm{Cm} \approx 3.50 \times 10^{-30} \mathrm{Cm} $$
02

Find the equation for torque on a dipole

The torque \(\tau\) exerted on an electric dipole in an electric field is given by: $$ \tau = p \cdot E \cdot \sin{\theta} $$ Where \(p\) is the dipole moment, \(E\) is the electric field, and \(\theta\) is the angle between the dipole moment and the electric field direction.
03

Find the maximum torque

To find the maximum torque, we need to maximize the value of \(\sin{\theta}\). \(\sin{\theta}\) is maximized when \(\theta = 90^\circ\), in which case \(\sin{\theta} = 1\): $$ \tau_\text{max} = p \cdot E $$ Substitute the dipole moment (in Cm) and the electric field (in N/C) into the equation: $$ \tau_\text{max} = (3.50 \times 10^{-30} \mathrm{Cm}) \cdot (160.0 \mathrm{N/C}) $$ Calculate the maximum torque: $$ \tau_\text{max} \approx 5.60 \times 10^{-28} \mathrm{N} \cdot \mathrm{m} $$ So, the maximum torque experienced by a hydrogen chloride gas molecule in the presence of the given electric field is approximately \(5.60 \times 10^{-28} \mathrm{N} \cdot \mathrm{m}\).

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.

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

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

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