diatomic molecules Molecules containing two atoms, such as H2, O2, HF, etc. A homonuclear diatomic molecule is one in which the two atoms are the same. Examples N2, F2. In an heteronuclear diatomic molecule the two atoms are different. Examples CO, NO. dipole, dipole moment When the centres of positive and negative charge do not coincide in a molecule, there is a resultant charge separation called a dipole. The dipoles give rise to a force known as a dipole moment. This force is a vector (i.e. it is directional) along the line between the two charge centres. The higher the charges and the greater the distance between them the greater is the dipole moment. In molecules dipoles lead to attraction between the molecules, the larger the dipole moment, the greater the attractive force between molecules. See also van der Waals forces.
dipole, dipole moment When the centres of positive and negative charge do not coincide in a molecule, there is a resultant charge separation called a dipole. The dipoles give rise to a force known as a dipole moment. This force is a vector (i.e. it is directional) along the line between the two charge centres. The higher the charges and the greater the distance between them the greater is the dipole moment. In molecules dipoles lead to attraction between the molecules, the larger the dipole moment, the greater the attractive force between molecules. See also van der Waals forces.
