Question

Why is the dipole moment of ${\mathrm{CH}}_4$ zero?

Answer 1

Dipole moment

• Dipole moments form as a result of the difference in electronegativity between two chemically bonded atoms.
• A dipole moment arises in any system where there is charge separation.
• It may be found in both ionic and covalent bonds.
• Asymmetric or different electro-negativities indicate molecules having a dipole moment.
• Example: Hydrogen chloride and chloroform.

Dipole moment of ${\mathbf{CH}}_{\mathbf{4}}$ zero

• The shape of methane $\left({\mathrm{CH}}_4\right)$ is tetrahedral.
• Structure of methane:

• Due to the tetrahedral structure, each bond pair is at an equal distance, indicating that they are symmetrically arranged.
• As a result, each bond dipole moments cancel out one another, resulting in zero net dipole moment.