In the molecule BrI, which atom is the negative pole? In the molecule BrI, which atom is the negative pole? I Br
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Explanation
A molecule like BrI is made up of two different halogen atoms: bromine (Br) and iodine (I). These atoms are covalently bonded, meaning they share electrons. However, the electrons are not always shared equally between two atoms. The distribution of electrons depends on a property known as electronegativity, which is the tendency of an atom to attract shared electrons in a chemical bond.
To determine the negative pole in a diatomic molecule like BrI, we compare the electronegativities of bromine and iodine:
- Electronegativity of Br (bromine): approximately 2.96
- Electronegativity of I (iodine): approximately 2.66
Since bromine has a higher electronegativity than iodine, it attracts the shared electrons more strongly. This makes the electron cloud shift slightly towards bromine, giving it a partial negative charge (δ–). In contrast, iodine becomes slightly electron-deficient, giving it a partial positive charge (δ+).
However, in terms of dipole notation and which atom is the negative pole, the atom with the higher electron density is considered the negative pole. So in BrI, bromine (Br) is the negative pole, not iodine.
Corrected Answer:
In the molecule BrI, the bromine (Br) atom is the negative pole, because it is more electronegative than iodine and thus attracts the bonding electrons more strongly.
Summary:
- Br: Electronegativity = 2.96
- I: Electronegativity = 2.66
- Electrons are drawn more toward Br
- Br becomes δ– (negative pole)
- I becomes δ+ (positive pole)
Final Answer: Bromine (Br) is the negative pole in BrI.
