Does ethanol have a permanent dipole?
A) Yes, the carbon is partially negative and the oxygen is partially positive.
B) Yes, the carbon is partially negative and the hydrogen is partially positive.
C) Yes, the hydrogen is partially positive and the oxygen is partially negative.
D) Yes, the oxygen is partially positive and the hydrogen is partially negative.
E) No, ethanol only has a temporary dipole.

Question

Does ethanol have a permanent dipole? 
A) Yes, the carbon is partially negative and the oxygen is partially positive. 
B) Yes, the carbon is partially negative and the hydrogen is partially positive. 
C) Yes, the hydrogen is partially positive and the oxygen is partially negative. 
D) Yes, the oxygen is partially positive and the hydrogen is partially negative. 
E) No, ethanol only has a temporary dipole.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In ethanol, there is a difference in electronegativity between the hydrogen and oxygen atoms, causing the hydrogen to be partially positive and the oxygen to be partially negative, creating a permanent dipole. The carbon atom in ethanol is in the same electronegativity range as hydrogen, so it does not contribute to the permanent dipole.

Does Ethanol Have a Permanent Dipole