Multiple Choice
Why does a water molecule have a partial negative charge at the oxygen atom and partial positive charges at the hydrogen atoms?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Dipole Moment
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Which of the following bonds has the greatest dipole moment (is the most polar)?
A
H–F
B
H–Cl
C
H–Br
D
H–I
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the dipole moment of a bond depends on the difference in electronegativity between the two atoms involved. The greater the difference, the more polar the bond and the larger the dipole moment.
Recall the electronegativity values of the halogens and hydrogen: Fluorine (F) has the highest electronegativity, followed by Chlorine (Cl), Bromine (Br), and Iodine (I). Hydrogen (H) has a lower electronegativity than all these halogens.
Calculate or compare the electronegativity differences for each bond: \(\Delta \chi = |\chi_{\text{halogen}} - \chi_{\text{H}}|\) where \(\chi\) represents electronegativity.
Recognize that the bond with the largest electronegativity difference will have the greatest dipole moment, making it the most polar bond.
Conclude that since Fluorine has the highest electronegativity, the H–F bond has the greatest dipole moment among the options given.
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