Chapter 13, Problem 49E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The Lewis diagrams of water and methanol molecule are to be drawn and the shapes of each molecule along with bond angle are to be stated. The polarities of each bond and relative polarities between water and methanol molecule are to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

The Lewis diagram of a compound shows how the valence electrons of an atom are arranged in the molecule. The molecular shapes are given by its valence electrons and lone pairs on central atom. The molecular shape depends on the distribution of atoms in space about the central atom, and on the bond angles between the atoms.

The molecule containing two different electronegative atoms when joined through covalent bond, there will be charge distribution. This uneven distribution of charges leads to positive and negative poles. The molecules containing opposite poles has some dipole moment and are said to be polar molecules. Therefore, the molecules having nonzero dipole moment are polar molecules.