Question

For molecules with multiple bonds, shape

and the contributions of all bonds must be
considered.
CO2 has 2 polar bonds.
But CO2
is linear and the
bonds point in opposite
directions.
Their polarities cancel
out so the molecule
is __

Answer 1

CO₂ is nonpolar because it is a linear molecule whereby the dipoles from two polar C=O bonds point in opposite directions and cancel out, resulting in no net dipole moment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student has inquired about why the carbon dioxide (CO₂) molecule is considered nonpolar despite having two polar bonds. The key to understanding this lies in the molecular geometry and symmetry of the molecule. CO₂ is a linear molecule with a carbon atom in the center and oxygen atoms at both ends.

The oxygen atoms are more electronegative and give rise to two individual dipoles pointing away from the carbon atom. Due to the linear structure, these dipoles are of equal strength and point in opposite directions. Consequently, they cancel each other out, leading to no net dipole moment for the molecule. Thus, despite the polar bonds, CO₂ is a nonpolar molecule because of the overall lack of polarity in the structure.