Dipole moment, μ

Definition

A dipole moment is a measure of the separation of positive and negative charges in a molecule, indicating the molecule's overall polarity. It is calculated as the product of the charge difference and the distance between the charges.

Related terms

Polar Covalent Bond: A type of chemical bond where two atoms share a pair of electrons unequally, resulting in partial positive and negative charges.

Electronegativity: A measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons when it forms a chemical bond.

Molecular Polarity: A characteristic of molecules that describes the distribution of electrical charges over the atoms involved in the molecule, influenced by both shape and bond polarity