In the hydrogen chloride molecule the distance between the chlorine nucleus and

Question

In the hydrogen chloride molecule the distance between the chlorine nucleus and the proton is 1.28 angstroms. Suppose the electron from the hydrogen atom is transferred entirely to the chlorine atom, joining with the other electrons to form a spherically symmetrical negative charge that is centered on the chlorine nucleus. How does the electric dipole moment of this model compare with the actual HCl dipole moment given in Fig. 10.14? Where must the actual "center of gravity" of the negative charge distribution be located in the real molecule? (The chlorine nucleus has a charge 17e, and the hydrogen nucleus has a charge e.)

Explanation / Answer

Dipole moment of actual HCl molecule = 6.1 D

Let x axis is along the distance between the two atoms, and hydrogen atom is present at the origin.

Then,

Xcm = (mH(0) + mCl(1.28))/(mH + mCl)

= mCl(1.28)/(mH + mCl)

= 35.5mH (1.28)/(1mH + 35.5mH )

= 35.5x1.28/36.5

= 1.245 A0

Hence the center of gravity is 1.245 A0 from the H-atom along the line joining the two atoms.

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