Question

Which of the following combinations of elements will have a dipole moment?

oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N)

antimony (Sb) and tellurium (Te)

germanium (Ge) and tin (Sn)

phosphorus (P) and arsenic (As)

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct option is;

Oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N)

Explanation:

Dipole moments take place when there are separated charges such as between  ionic bond ions or covalent bond atoms due to electronegaivity differences, such that dipole moment is directly proportional to electronegativity

From the electronegativity series we have

Oxygen = 3.44 Nitrogen = 3.04, Difference = 0.4

Sb = 2.05 Te = 2.1, Difference = 0.05

Sn = 1.96 Ge = 2.01, Difference = 0.05

P = 2.19 As = 2.18, Difference = 0.01

Therefore, oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N) is more likely to have a dipole moment.