Drawing a Dipole

[505095972]

When we draw a dipole, do we use the modern convention or the other one? In other words, should the arrow point towards the negative charge or the positive one?

[Shubham Rai 2C]

I think Professor Lavelle said that in this chem the arrow should point to the negative charge.

[Kate_Santoso_4F]

Yes when drawinga dipole moment, arrows are used to show the polarity points from the positive areas to the negative areas. For example, in water, there is a higher electron density around the oxygen atom, giving it an overall negative charge and the hydrogen atoms overall positive charges. The arrows should point toward the oxygens.

[Catherine Kim 3K]

The arrow should point towards the negative charge.

[Kevin Tang 4L]

One way to remember is that there is a plus like shape on the partially positive side of the dipole:

(plus like shape on this side) +--------------> (points towards the partially negative side)

[Dana Wilks 3I]

Yes, the arrow should point towards the partial negative charge. The textbook uses the other notation, though.

[Nikki Bych 1I]

Yes, the arrow should be pointing towards the more electronegative atom.