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Ch.9 - Molecular Geometry and Bonding Theories
Chapter 9, Problem 37a,b

(a) Does CS2 have a dipole moment? If so, in which direction does the net dipole point? (b) Does SO2 have a dipole moment? If so, in which direction does the net dipole point?

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1
Identify the molecular geometry of CS_2. CS_2 is a linear molecule because it consists of a central carbon atom double-bonded to two sulfur atoms.
Consider the electronegativity of the atoms involved. Carbon (C) has an electronegativity of 2.55, while sulfur (S) has an electronegativity of 2.58.
Determine the direction of the bond dipoles. Since the electronegativity difference between carbon and sulfur is very small, the C-S bonds are nearly nonpolar.
Analyze the symmetry of the molecule. In a linear molecule like CS_2, any small dipole moments in the C-S bonds will cancel each other out due to the molecule's symmetry.
Conclude whether there is a net dipole moment. Since the bond dipoles cancel out, CS_2 does not have a net dipole moment.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Molecular Geometry

Molecular geometry refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within a molecule. The shape of a molecule is determined by the positions of its atoms and the presence of lone pairs of electrons, which can affect bond angles and overall symmetry. Understanding the geometry of CS2 (carbon disulfide) is crucial for determining its polarity and dipole moment.
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Polarity and Dipole Moment

Polarity in molecules arises from differences in electronegativity between bonded atoms, leading to uneven distribution of electron density. A dipole moment is a vector quantity that represents the separation of positive and negative charges in a molecule. If a molecule has a net dipole moment, it indicates that it is polar, which is essential for understanding the behavior of CS2 in different environments.
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Symmetry and Nonpolar Molecules

Symmetry plays a critical role in determining whether a molecule is polar or nonpolar. A molecule can have polar bonds but still be nonpolar overall if its shape is symmetrical, allowing the dipole moments to cancel each other out. In the case of CS2, its linear geometry results in a symmetrical distribution of charge, leading to the conclusion that it does not have a net dipole moment.
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