Chem Conceptual Question

[courtrigrad]

If we have a HCl molecule, then we know that the electronegativity of hydrogen is greater than that of chlorine. So in an electric field, the chlorine will be partially negative and the hydrogen will be partially positive: H: \delta + Cl: \delta - . Then why would this have a dipole moment? Wouldn't the charges cancel each other out?

Thanks :smile:

[Gokul43201]

Look up the definition of dipole moment. It's self-explanatory.

[dextercioby]

And HYDROGEN HAS A SMALLER ELECTRONEGATIVITY THAN CHLORINE...Check a complete periodic table which gives electronegativity & electropositivity (i would follow Pauling's numbers).

Daniel.