Question

To represent a partial charge, we either use the Greek letter delta and a plus or minus sign, δ+ and δ-, or an arrow showing the direction electrons are pulled. For the following bonds, use this notation to show the partial charges on each atom.

a) P-F

b) P-Cl

c) N-H

Answer 1

Polar covalent bonds involve the use of delta symbols to represent partial charges on atoms. In the given bonds (P-F, P-Cl, and N-H), the more electronegative atom carries a partial negative charge, denoted as delta-minus (δ-), while the less electronegative atom carries a partial positive charge, represented by delta-plus (δ+).

Step-by-step explanation:

In polar covalent bonds, the atom with the greater electronegativity acquires a partial negative charge, while the atom with the lesser electronegativity acquires a partial positive charge. This is represented using the Greek letter delta (δ) with a plus or minus sign. In the given bonds:

1. P-F: The fluorine (F) atom has a higher electronegativity compared to the phosphorus (P) atom. Therefore, the F atom has a partial negative charge (δ-) and the P atom has a partial positive charge (δ+).
2. P-Cl: Similar to the bond above, the chlorine (Cl) atom has a higher electronegativity compared to the phosphorus (P) atom. Thus, the Cl atom has a partial negative charge (δ-) and the P atom has a partial positive charge (δ+).
3. N-H: Nitrogen (N) has a greater electronegativity than hydrogen (H). Hence, the N atom has a partial negative charge (δ-) and the H atom has a partial positive charge (δ+).