Question

Which bond angle `theta` would result in the maximum dipole moment for the triatomic `YXY`?
A. `theta = 90^(@)`
B. `theta = 120^(@)`
C. `theta = 150^(@)`
D. `theta = 180^(@)`

Answer 1

Correct Answer - a
The dipole moment of two dipole inclined at an angle `theta` is given by the eqquation `mu = sqrt(X^(2) + Y^(2) + 2XY cos theta)`
`cos 90^(@) = 0`. Since the angle increases more nad more`-ve` and hence resulant decreasd. Thus dipole moment is maximum when `theta = 90^(@)`