Question

Molecules of carbon monoxide are permanent electric dipoles due to unequal sharing of electrons between the carbon and oxygen atoms. (figure 1) shows the distance and charges. Suppose a carbon monoxide molecule with a horizontal axis is in a vertical electric field of strength 15000 n/c

Answer 1

Molecules of carbon monoxide (CO) are nonpolar due to their molecular geometry and dipole cancelation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Molecules of carbon monoxide (CO) are nonpolar due to their molecular geometry and the cancelation of dipole moments. In CO, the carbon and oxygen atoms are connected by a triple covalent bond, resulting in a linear shape.

The oxygen atom is more electronegative than the carbon atom, creating partial positive and negative charges, but the dipoles cancel out due to their equal strength and opposite orientations. Therefore, CO is a nonpolar molecule.