Question

In a diatomic molecule the bond distance is $1 \times 10^{-8}$ cm. Its dipole moment is $1.2 D$. What is the fractional electronic charge on each atom?

• A. $0.50$
• B. $1.2 \times 10^{-10}$
• C. $0.25$
• D. $1.2$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Partial charge $= \frac{\text{Dipole moment}}{\text{Bond distance}} $
$ = \frac{1.2\times10^{-18}\, esu\, cm}{1\times10^{-8} \,cm} = 1.2\times10^{-10 }\, esu $
Fractional charge $=\frac{ 1.2\times10^{-10}}{4.8\times10^{-10}} = 0.25$
$\left(4.8\times10^{-10} {\text{is a theoretical value of }} \mu.\right)$