In the BrF molecule, which atom carries the partial positive charge (δ+)?

• A. Neither atom has a partial positive charge
• B. Both atoms have equal charge
• C. Bromine (Br)
• D. Fluorine (F)

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the atoms involved in the molecule: Bromine (Br) and Fluorine (F).
2. Recall that electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract electrons in a chemical bond. The atom with higher electronegativity will attract the bonding electrons more strongly, acquiring a partial negative charge (δ-).
3. Look up or recall the electronegativity values: Fluorine has a higher electronegativity than Bromine.
4. Since Fluorine is more electronegative, it will pull electron density toward itself, resulting in Fluorine carrying a partial negative charge (δ-).
5. Therefore, Bromine, being less electronegative, will have a partial positive charge (δ+) in the BrF molecule.