Rod-shaped vs spherical molecules

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Marcus1H
Posts: 33
Joined: Fri Sep 27, 2024 6:57 am

Rod-shaped vs spherical molecules

Postby Marcus1H » Thu Nov 07, 2024 11:01 pm

Hi, would someone mind explaining how instantaneous dipoles are stronger in rod shaped molecules than spherical shaped molecules and how to tell if a molecule is rod shaped or spherical.

Tamer Siam 2F
Posts: 28
Joined: Fri Sep 27, 2024 8:07 am

Re: Rod-shaped vs spherical molecules

Postby Tamer Siam 2F » Thu Nov 07, 2024 11:43 pm

In rod shaped, there is less distance between the partial charges of the molecule, so the electrostatic attraction is stronger, compared to a spherical shape, where one curve is close, while the other is really far away (2 diameters away). Pretty sure you can tell if it's rod shaped or spherical shaped from the lewis structure: if the structure forms a circle shape, it's spherical; if it forms a line (like a polymer chain), then rod shaped.

Leslie_C_2J
Posts: 43
Joined: Fri Sep 27, 2024 8:40 am

Re: Rod-shaped vs spherical molecules

Postby Leslie_C_2J » Thu Nov 07, 2024 11:47 pm

Hi,

The reason why instantaneous dipoles are stronger in rod shaped molecules than spherical molecules is because there is more surface area for the molecules to interact. Additionally, electrons are able to move more freely along the length of the rod shaped molecule, which makes the dispersion forces stronger. To tell the difference look at the structure of the molecule. Long, chain like structures tend to be rod shaped and symmetrical structures are closer to spherical. Hope this helps!


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