Partial Positive Charge

Definition

A partial positive charge refers to the unequal sharing of electrons in a covalent bond, where one atom has a slightly greater attraction for the shared electrons, resulting in an incomplete transfer of electrons and the formation of a partial positive charge on one of the bonded atoms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The formation of a partial positive charge is a result of the difference in electronegativity between the bonded atoms in a covalent bond.
2. Atoms with higher electronegativity values will have a greater attraction for the shared electrons, leading to the formation of a partial positive charge on the atom with lower electronegativity.
3. Partial positive charges are essential in understanding the polarity of molecules and their resulting properties, such as intermolecular forces and solubility.
4. The magnitude of the partial positive charge is determined by the difference in electronegativity between the bonded atoms and the degree of electron sharing.
5. Partial positive charges play a crucial role in the stability and reactivity of molecules, as they can influence the formation of hydrogen bonds and other intermolecular interactions.

Review Questions

• Explain how the concept of electronegativity relates to the formation of a partial positive charge in a covalent bond.
  • The difference in electronegativity between the atoms involved in a covalent bond determines the degree of electron sharing and the formation of partial charges. Atoms with higher electronegativity values will have a greater attraction for the shared electrons, leading to the formation of a partial positive charge on the atom with lower electronegativity. This unequal sharing of electrons is the basis for the concept of partial positive charge in covalent bonds.
• Describe the role of partial positive charges in the polarity and properties of molecules.
  • Partial positive charges, resulting from the unequal sharing of electrons in covalent bonds, are essential in understanding the polarity of molecules. The presence of partial charges within a molecule leads to the formation of a dipole moment, which influences the overall polarity of the molecule. This polarity, in turn, affects the molecule's physical and chemical properties, such as its solubility, boiling point, and ability to participate in intermolecular interactions like hydrogen bonding.
• Analyze how the magnitude of a partial positive charge can impact the stability and reactivity of a molecule.
  • The magnitude of a partial positive charge is determined by the difference in electronegativity between the bonded atoms and the degree of electron sharing. A larger partial positive charge can significantly influence the stability and reactivity of a molecule. Atoms with a higher partial positive charge are more susceptible to nucleophilic attack, as the partial positive charge creates a region of increased electron deficiency. Conversely, a smaller partial positive charge may result in a more stable molecule, as the unequal electron distribution is less pronounced. Understanding the relationship between the magnitude of partial positive charges and molecular stability is crucial in predicting and explaining the reactivity of chemical species.

Related terms

Electronegativity:

The ability of an atom to attract shared electrons in a covalent bond, which determines the degree of electron sharing and the formation of partial charges.

Polar Covalent Bond:

A covalent bond in which the shared electrons are unequally distributed, leading to the formation of a partial positive charge on one atom and a partial negative charge on the other.

Dipole Moment:

The measure of the separation of charge within a molecule, resulting from the unequal sharing of electrons in a polar covalent bond and the formation of partial charges.