Question

In a diatomic molecule the bond distance is 1 x ${10}^{-8}cm$. Its dipole moment is $1.2D$. 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)

$0.25$

Dipole moment is given as

$\mu =q\times d$

Here, $d=1\times {10}^{-8}cm$

$1Debye={10}^{-18}esu.cm$

Thus, $q=\frac{\mu }{d}$

$q=\frac{1.2\times {10}^{-18}}{1\times {10}^{-8}}$

$\therefore q=1.2\times {10}^{-10}esu$

Now, Charge on each electron in esu = $4.8\times {10}^{-10}esu$

$\therefore$ Fraction of charge per atom$=\frac{1.2\times {10}^{-10}}{4.8\times {10}^{-10}}=0.25$