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What is a dipole? Also, how do you know if a molecule is symmetrical or asymmetrical?
For example, are the following symmetrical or asymmetrical? Can you tell just from the molecular formula? Which ones have dipoles?
Are these concepts related?
You should easily find the answers by searching the web.
A dipole is the separation of a positive charge and a negative charge in a molecule. Any 2 different atoms bonded together will have a dipole since their electronegativities are different.
A symmetrical molecule will either have a mirror plane or a rotation that will superimpose the atoms. Benzene has both a mirror plane and a rotation of 60°.
An asymmetrical molecule does not have a mirror plane or rotation. Ethanol is an example.
