Question

Molecules of carbon dioxide are linear. What type of force exists between these molecules?

A) Covalent
B) dipole-dipole
C) Electrostatic
D) Van der Waals

Answer 1

D) Van der Waals

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that the geometry is linear, one finds that the C = O bonds cancel out any polar effects due to the linear geometry ( O = C = O )and gives the molecule a net dipole of zero. Interactions are therefore dependent upon dispersion forces that are classified as Van der Waal Forces or London Forces.