A symmetrical triatomic molecule XY ₂ has an individual X-Y bond dipole moment of 1.5 D . If the net dipole moment of the XY ₂ molecule is also 1.5 D , what is the Y-X-Y bond angle?

Step-by-step solution

The net dipole moment ( _ net ) of a symmetrical triatomic molecule XY ₂ is the vector sum of the two individual X-Y bond dipole moments ( _ bond ). The magnitude of the resultant vector is given by the formula: _ net ^2 = _ bond ^2 + _ bond ^2 + 2 _ bond _ bond Given that _ net = 1.5 D and _ bond = 1.5 D , we can substitute these values into the equation: (1.5)^2 = (1.5)^2 + (1.5)^2 + 2(1.5)(1.5) Dividing the entire equation by (1.5)^2 yields: 1 = 1 + 1 + 2 1 = 2 + 2 2 = -1 = - 1 2 The angle whose cosine is - 1 2