Finding Dipole Moments

[304922790]

How do we find the dipole moment from a lewis structure? Do we use the equation to find the formal charge? Are their dipole moments for lewis structures with resonance?

[Sohini Halder 1G]

Look for the more electronegative element in the molecule. This element will have the electrons around them most of the time.

For example: H2O
Because oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, the dipole moment will go towards oxygen. That is why oxygen-side of H2O has a slightly negative charge while the hydrogen-sides have a slightly positive charge. The electrons spend more time near the oxygen atom than the hydrogen atoms.

[Rana YT 2L]

To continue on with the previous post, when looking at the most electronegative element, however, you have to look at it in comparison to the other atom. This means that you need to see if there is a significant difference in electronegativity between the two elements

[Minie 1G]

And when drawing the arrows for dipole movements, it always goes from the less electronegative atom -> more electronegative atom. It's a measure of polarity, and the large electronegativity difference, the larger dipole movement force.