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Q. Which bond angle $\theta$ would result in the maximum dipole moment for the triatomic molecule $YXY$?

Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure

Solution:

The dipole moment of two dipoles inclined at an angle $\theta$ is given by the equation $\mu = \sqrt{X^2 + Y^2 + 2XY\,cos\,\theta}$ $cos\, 90^{\circ} = 0$. Since the angle increases from $90$ to $180$, the value of $cos\, \theta$ becomes more and more $- ve$ and hence resultant decreases. Thus, dipole moment is maximum when $\theta = 90^{\circ}$.