Final answer:
In the given molecule O2δ+δ-C=O, oxygen is more electronegative than carbon and forms a polar covalent bond, creating a dipole moment. However, the dipole moments in the reverse direction cancel each other out, making the molecule nonpolar.
Step-by-step explanation:
A polar molecule is a molecule in which one end of the molecule is slightly positive, while the other end is slightly negative. A diatomic molecule that consists of a polar covalent bond, such as HF, is a polar molecule. The two electrically charged regions on either end of the molecule are called poles. A molecule with two poles is called a dipole.
In the given molecule O2δ+δ-C=O, oxygen (O) is more electronegative than carbon (C) and forms a polar covalent bond. The oxygen atom pulls the electron density towards itself, creating a partial negative charge (δ-) and the carbon atom has a partial positive charge (δ+). Hence, the dipole moment points from oxygen towards carbon.
However, in the reverse direction, i.e., O2δ+δ-C=O, the dipole moment points from carbon towards oxygen. Hence, the molecule is nonpolar since the dipole moments cancel out each other.