Question

a water molecule perpendicular to an electric field has 9.00×10−22 j more potential energy than a water molecule aligned with the field. the dipole moment of a water molecule is 6.2×10−30cm .

Answer 1

Water molecules are polar molecules with an inherent separation of charge. When placed in an electric field, water molecules tend to orient themselves with the field. The potential energy difference between a water molecule aligned perpendicular to an electric field and a water molecule aligned with the field is 9.00×10^-22 J.

Step-by-step explanation:

Water molecules are polar molecules, meaning they have an inherent separation of charge. The electrons in a water molecule are more concentrated around the oxygen atom, making the oxygen end slightly negative and the hydrogen ends slightly positive. When a water molecule with a dipole moment is placed in an electric field, it tends to orient itself with the electric field because of its asymmetrical charge distribution. In this case, a water molecule aligned perpendicular to an electric field has 9.00×10-22 J more potential energy than a water molecule aligned with the field.