Question:

Arrange the following molecules in decreasing order of their dipole moments:
H2O,NF3,H2S,NH3 {H}_2{O}, {NF}_3, {H}_2{S}, {NH}_3

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Dipole moments are influenced by both the electronegativity of atoms and the molecular geometry. Molecules with higher asymmetry and greater electronegativity differences tend to have higher dipole moments.
Updated On: Mar 15, 2025
  • H2O>NF3>H2S>NH3 {H}_2{O}>{NF}_3>{H}_2{S}>{NH}_3
  • NF3>H2O>H2S>NH3 {NF}_3>{H}_2{O}>{H}_2{S}>{NH}_3
  • NF3>H2O>NH3>H2S {NF}_3>{H}_2{O}>{NH}_3>{H}_2{S}
  • H2O>NH3>H2S>NF3 {H}_2{O}>{NH}_3>{H}_2{S}>{NF}_3
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The dipole moment depends on the electronegativity difference and the molecular geometry. Here’s the analysis:

  • H2O: High dipole moment due to the bent shape and significant electronegativity difference between oxygen and hydrogen.
  • NH3: High dipole moment due to the trigonal pyramidal shape and electronegativity difference between nitrogen and hydrogen.
  • H2S: Lower dipole moment than H2O due to less electronegativity difference and similar bent shape.
  • NF3: Lower dipole moment due to the trigonal pyramidal shape and the opposing dipole moments of the N-F bonds partially canceling each other.

Thus, the decreasing order of dipole moments is:

H2O>NH3>H2S>NF3 {H}_2{O} > {NH}_3 > {H}_2{S} > {NF}_3

Final Answer:
H2O>NH3>H2S>NF3 {H}_2{O} > {NH}_3 > {H}_2{S} > {NF}_3

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