Question

Use the simulation to perform the following exercises for a two-atom molecule:

(a) Adjust the electronegativity value so the bond dipole is pointing toward B. Then determine what the electronegativity values must be to switch the dipole so that it points toward A.
(b) With a partial positive charge on A, turn on the electric field and describe what happens.
(c) With a small partial negative charge on A, turn on the electric field and describe what happens.
(d) Reset all, and then with a large partial negative charge on A, turn on the electric field and describe what happens.

Answer 1

In this question, we use a simulation to perform various exercises on a two-atom molecule. We adjust the electronegativity values to change the direction of the bond dipole and observe the effects of a partial positive or negative charge on atom A in the presence of an electric field.

Step-by-step explanation:

When adjusting the electronegativity value in the simulation, you can make the bond dipole point towards B by increasing the electronegativity value of A and decreasing the electronegativity value of B. To switch the dipole so that it points towards A, you would need to increase the electronegativity value of B and decrease the electronegativity value of A.

When there is a partial positive charge on atom A and the electric field is turned on, the molecule will tend to align itself with the electric field. The positive end of the molecular dipole will point towards the negative terminal of the electric field.

Similarly, when there is a small partial negative charge on atom A and the electric field is turned on, the molecule will align itself with the electric field, with the negative end of the molecular dipole pointing towards the positive terminal.

When there is a large partial negative charge on atom A and the electric field is turned on, the molecule will align itself with the electric field, with the negative end of the molecular dipole pointing towards the positive terminal.