To find the fractional charge on each atom in a diatomic molecule, we can use the relationship between dipole moment (μ), charge (q), and distance (d):
μ=q×d
Where:
- μ is the dipole moment.
- q is the magnitude of the charge on each atom.
- d is the distance between the charges.
First, convert units to be consistent with esu:
- Bond distance in cm:
1 A∘=1×10−8 cm
- Dipole moment in esu·cm:
1.2 D=1.2×10−18 esucm
We are given that the bond distance (d) is 1 A∘ and that the dipole moment (μ) is 1.2 D. Using these values, we can calculate the charge (q) as follows:
q=dμ
Now plug in the given values:
q=1×10−8 cm1.2×10−18 esucm
q=1.2×10−10 esu
q=1.2×10−9×10−1 esu
q=0.000000012×10−1 esu 
