In a molecule of HCl, which atom has a partial positive charge due to the dipole moment?

• A. Chlorine (Cl)
• B. Neither atom has a partial positive charge
• C. Both atoms have equal charge
• D. Hydrogen (H)

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a dipole moment in a molecule arises due to differences in electronegativity between atoms, causing an uneven distribution of electron density.
2. Recall that chlorine (Cl) is more electronegative than hydrogen (H), meaning Cl attracts the shared electrons in the H–Cl bond more strongly.
3. Because electrons are pulled closer to Cl, Cl acquires a partial negative charge (δ⁻), while H becomes electron-deficient and acquires a partial positive charge (δ⁺).
4. Identify that the atom with the partial positive charge is the one less electronegative, which in this case is hydrogen (H).
5. Conclude that in the HCl molecule, hydrogen (H) has the partial positive charge due to the dipole moment.