Multiple Choice
Which of the following AF3 molecules will have a nonzero dipole moment?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Dipole Moment
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In a polar molecule such as HCl, which atom has a partial negative charge due to the dipole moment?
A
Chlorine (Cl)
B
Hydrogen (H)
C
Both atoms equally
D
Neither atom
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that in a polar molecule, the atom with higher electronegativity attracts the shared electrons more strongly, creating a partial negative charge (δ-).
Identify the electronegativities of the atoms involved: Hydrogen (H) has a lower electronegativity compared to Chlorine (Cl).
Recognize that because Chlorine is more electronegative, it pulls the bonding electrons closer to itself, resulting in a dipole moment directed towards Cl.
Conclude that the atom with the partial negative charge (δ-) is the more electronegative atom, which in this case is Chlorine (Cl).
Therefore, in HCl, Chlorine carries the partial negative charge, while Hydrogen carries a partial positive charge (δ+).
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