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 (μ_cal) = 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