Multiple Choice
Molecules like water, which have regions of partial positive and partial negative charges, are known as what?
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Dipole Moment
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Which of the following covalent bonds has the largest dipole moment?
A
H-Br
B
H-Cl
C
H-F
D
H-I
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the dipole moment of a covalent bond is determined by the difference in electronegativity between the two atoms involved in the bond.
Recall the electronegativity values of the halogens: Fluorine (F) has the highest electronegativity, followed by Chlorine (Cl), Bromine (Br), and Iodine (I).
Recognize that hydrogen (H) has a lower electronegativity compared to the halogens, so the dipole moment will depend on the halogen's electronegativity.
Compare the electronegativity differences: Calculate the difference between hydrogen and each halogen. The larger the difference, the larger the dipole moment.
Conclude that the H-F bond has the largest dipole moment because fluorine has the highest electronegativity, resulting in the greatest difference in electronegativity between hydrogen and fluorine.
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