Question

The dipole moment of KCI is 3.336 x 10-29 C-m which indicates that it is a highly polar molecule. The inter atomic distance between K+and Cl- in this molecule is 2.6 x 10-10 m. Calculate the dipole moment of KCI molecule if there were opposite charges of one fundamental unit located at each nucleus. Calculate the percentage ionic character of KCl.

Answer 1

Assuming 100% ionic character in KC! hence it is assumed that an electron of K is completely transferred to chlorine atom.

Calculated dipole moment (μcal) = e x d

e = charge of electrons = 1.6 x 1019 C

d = distance between K+ and Cl- ion

= 2.6 x 10-10 m