Chemistry · Covalent Bonding: Concept of electronegativity, Fajan's rule, dipole moment, Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory and shapes of simple molecules
Identify the correct reason for zero dipole moment. This question has multiple c
Identify the correct reason for zero dipole moment. This question has multiple correct options
- A. The molecule may be homoatomic
- B. There may be a dative bond in the molecule
- C. The molecule may be heteroatomic and symmetric
- D. There may be lone pairs in the molecule
Step-by-step solution
Zero dipole moment occurs when the vector sum of bond dipoles is zero. For heteroatomic molecules, the bond dipoles are non-zero, but if the molecule is symmetric (e.g., CO2, CCl4), the dipoles cancel, resulting in zero net dipole. Homoatomic molecules (option A) also have zero dipole, but option C is a more general reason covering symmetric polyatomic molecules. Options B and D are incorrect: a dative bond does not guarantee zero dipole, and lone pairs often contribute to dipole moment unless canceled by symmetry.