/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 2 In the HCl molecule, the separat... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

In the HCl molecule, the separation between the nuclei of the two atoms is about \(1.27 \mathrm{~A}\left(1 \mathrm{~A}=10^{-10} \mathrm{~m}\right) .\) Find the approximate location of the \(\mathrm{CM}\) of the molecule, given that a chlorine atom is about \(35.5\) times as massive as a hydrogen atom and nearly all the mass of an atom is concentrated in its nucleus.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The center of mass of the HCl molecule is approximately \(1.236 \times 10^{-10} \text{ m}\) from the hydrogen nucleus.

Step by step solution

01

Identify given data

We have two atoms: hydrogen (H) and chlorine (Cl). The separation between the nuclei is given as \(1.27 \text{ Ã…}\). Chlorine is \(35.5\) times as massive as hydrogen.
02

Calculate masses of atoms

Let the mass of the hydrogen atom be \(m_H = m\). Therefore, the mass of the chlorine atom is \(m_{Cl} = 35.5m_H = 35.5m\).
03

Determine the position of the center of mass

The formula for the center of mass (CM) of a two-particle system along a line is \(x_{CM} = \frac{m_1x_1 + m_2x_2}{m_1 + m_2}\). Let the position of the hydrogen nucleus be \(x_H = 0\) and the position of the chlorine nucleus be \(x_{Cl} = 1.27 \times 10^{-10} \text{ m}\).
04

Substitute values into the CM formula

Substitute \(m_H = m\), \(x_H = 0\), \(m_{Cl} = 35.5m\), and \(x_{Cl} = 1.27 \times 10^{-10} \text{ m}\) into the formula: \[x_{CM} = \frac{m \times 0 + 35.5m \times 1.27 \times 10^{-10}}{m + 35.5m}\]
05

Simplify the expression

The expression becomes: \[x_{CM} = \frac{35.5m \times 1.27 \times 10^{-10}}{36.5m}\] The \(m\)'s cancel out: \[x_{CM} = \frac{35.5 \times 1.27 \times 10^{-10}}{36.5}\]
06

Compute the numeric value

Calculate \(x_{CM}\): \[x_{CM} \approx 1.236 \times 10^{-10} \text{ m}\]

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Understanding the HCl Molecule
The HCl molecule is a simple diatomic molecule formed by hydrogen and chlorine atoms. It is made of one hydrogen atom (H) and one chlorine atom (Cl). This molecule is an example of a polar covalent bond. In this type of bond, electrons are not shared equally. Chlorine attracts the electrons more strongly than hydrogen because it is more electronegative. This property causes the HCl molecule to have a partial positive charge near the hydrogen and a partial negative charge near the chlorine.
  • **Diatomic molecule:** Composed of two atoms.
  • **Polar bond:** Electrons are closer to one atom than the other.
  • **Electronegativity difference:** Results in partial charges.
Polarity leads to unique physical and chemical properties, such as HCl being soluble in water and forming hydrochloric acid when dissolved. This molecule serves as a simple example to understand more complex molecular structures.
Grasping the Concept of Atomic Mass
The atomic mass of an element is a critical concept in understanding molecules like HCl. Atomic mass refers to the mass of an atom, which is concentrated in its nucleus, where the protons and neutrons reside. Electrons have a negligible mass compared to the nucleus.
  • **Protons and neutrons:** Determine the atomic mass.
  • **Electrons:** Have very little impact due to low mass.
In the HCl molecule, the chlorine atom is approximately 35.5 times more massive than the hydrogen atom. This difference is crucial in calculating the center of mass. Understanding how atomic mass varies among elements helps in various calculations and predictions about molecular behavior, including the physical properties of molecules.
Nucleus Separation in Molecules
The separation of nuclei in molecules is a vital factor in understanding molecular structure and bonding. In the HCl molecule, the distance between the nuclei of the hydrogen and chlorine atoms is given as 1.27 Ã… (angstroms), which is equivalent to 1.27 x 10^-10 meters.
  • **Inter-nuclear distance:** Influences bond strength and molecule stability.
  • **Measurement unit:** Ã…ngström (Ã…), commonly used for atomic scales.
The concept of nucleus separation is essential because it affects the energy and length of the bond in a molecule. Molecules tend to arrange themselves at a distance that minimizes energy, thus stabilizing the structure. Applying this concept allows chemists to predict molecular behavior and reactivity in chemical processes.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

From a uniform disk of radius \(R\), a circular hole of radius \(R / 2\) is cut out. The centre of the hole is at \(R / 2\) from the centre of the original disc. Locate the centre of gravity of the resulting flat body.

A man stands on a rotating platform, with his arms stretched horizontally holding a \(5 \mathrm{~kg}\) weight in each hand. The angular speed of the platform is 30 revolutions per minute. The man then brings his arms close to his body with the distance of each weight from the axis changing from \(90 \mathrm{~cm}\) to \(20 \mathrm{~cm} .\) The moment of inertia of the man together with the platform may be taken to be constant and equal to \(7.6 \mathrm{~kg} \mathrm{~m}^{2}\). (a) What is his new angular speed? (Neglect friction.) (b) Is kinetic energy conserved in the process? If not, from where does the change come about?

To maintain a rotor at a uniform angular speed of \(200 \mathrm{rad} \mathrm{s}^{-1}\), an engine needs to transmit a torque of \(180 \mathrm{~N} \mathrm{~m}\). What is the power required by the engine? (Note: uniform angular velocity in the absence of friction implies zero torque. In practice, applied torque is needed to counter frictional torque). Assume that the engine is \(100 \%\) efficient.

A metre stick is balanced on a knife edge at its centre. When two coins, each of mass \(5 \mathrm{~g}\) are put one on top of the other at the \(12.0 \mathrm{~cm}\) mark, the stick is found to be balanced at \(45.0 \mathrm{~cm}\). What is the mass of the metre stick?

A car weighs \(1800 \mathrm{~kg}\). The distance between its front and back axles is \(1.8 \mathrm{~m}\). Its centre of gravity is \(1.05 \mathrm{~m}\) behind the front axle. Determine the force exerted by the level ground on each front wheel and each back wheel.

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.