Exploring Molecular Polarity in a Guided Lab

Molecular Polarity

Overall dipole moment of a molecule.

Dipole Moment

Vector quantity indicating polarity direction.

Bond Dipole

Partial charge separation in a polar bond.

Molecular Dipole

Net dipole moment of a molecule.

Diagram Indication

Visual representation of molecular polarity.

Polarity Diagram

Illustration showing bond and molecular polarity.

Electronegativity Values

Numerical representation of an atom's electronegativity.

Polarity Investigation

Examining how electronegativity affects bond polarity.

Molecule Orientation

Arrangement of atoms in a specific shape.

Bond Arrows

Indicate direction of electron density shift.

Dipole Analysis

Examination of dipole moments in molecules.

Electronegativity

Ability of an atom to attract electrons.

Bond Polarity

Unequal sharing of electrons in a bond.

Part 1: Two Atoms Investigation Steps

Begin by pressing the Two Atoms option.
Observe the two atoms A and B by changing the electronegativities.
Investigate how electronegativity affects the polarity of the bond between the 2 atoms and how bond and molecular polarity is indicated by drawing it in a diagram.
Set the electronegativity of atom A to mid-range with different ranges for atom B. Observe what happens. Draw a diagram to indicate the polarity.

Part 2a: Three atom molecule (triangular arrangement) Steps

Begin by pressing the Three Atoms option.
Observe the atoms A, B, and C and how they are bonded. If the atoms are in a linear shape, change it to a triangular shape by pressing and dragging the atoms in to different orientations.
Observe the electronegativities of all three atoms by changing the values.
Investigate how electronegativity affects the polarity of the bond between the 3 atoms and how bond and molecular polarity is indicated by drawing it in a diagram.
Place the molecule in an electric field by toggling the switch and observe what occurs to each atom and the molecule.

Part 2b: Three atom molecule (linear arrangement

Begin by pressing the Three Atoms option.
Observe the atoms A, B, and C and how they are bonded. Change the atoms to a linear shape by pressing and dragging the atoms in to different orientations.
Observe the electronegativities of all three atoms by changing the values.
Investigate how electronegativity affects the polarity of the bond between the 3 atoms and how bond and molecular polarity is indicated by drawing it in a diagram.
Place the molecule in an electric field by toggling the switch and observe what occurs to each atom and the molecule.

Summary Questions

Which way do the bond arrows point?
Can a molecule have bond dipoles but not have a molecular dipole? Explain.
What happens when a molecule with a dipole is put in an electric field? Be specific.
Write a short summary in your own words about this investigation. Include an analysis of dipoles and how it changes when a molecule is placed in an electric field.

Electric Field

Region where charged particles experience force.

Molecule Behavior

Response of molecules in an electric field.