Chapter 10, Problem 10.18QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The dipole moments of the hydrogen halides decrease from $\text{HF}$ to $\text{HI}$.  This trend has to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

The term dipole moment refers to the quantitative measure of polarity of a bond. It is represented as $\text{μ}$. It can be defined as the product of the charge $\text{Q}$ and the distance r between the charges. So, its mathematical representation is $\text{μ}\text{=}\text{Q}\times \text{r}$ The dipole moment will be created by the charge separation in a polar molecule.

For example:

The diatomic molecule $\text{HCl}$ possess dipole moment due to the charge separation in it as shown here:

The crossed arrow represents the direction of the shift of electrons towards the highly electronegative chlorine atom form the least electronegative hydrogen atom.