Question

A molecule of carbon dioxide (CO2) contains two polar covalent bonds. Why is the molecule nonpolar?


Each bond in the molecule is only moderately polar covalent.

The molecule is too small to be polar.

The polar bonds are oriented in opposite directions.

The carbon atom has two unshared pairs of electrons.

Answer 1

Answer : Option C) The polar bonds are oriented in opposite direction.

Explanation : A molecule of carbon dioxide $(CO_{2})$ contains two polar covalent bonds. This molecule is non-polar because the polar bonds are oriented in the opposite direction.

In order to be a polar molecule, carbon dioxide must have both a slightly negative side and a slightly positive side in its molecule. The orientation of the lone pairs of electrons present on each oxygen atom cancels each other, making the molecule non polar.

Answer 2

Answer: Option (c) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

Shape of a $CO_{2}$ molecule is linear, that is, carbon atom resides at the center and each oxygen atom lies on its left and right side.

Since, oxygen is more electronegative than carbon so, dipole moment will be towards oxygen atom. Hence, dipole moment cancel out as the bonds are in opposite directions.

Therefore, we can conclude that a molecule of carbon dioxide is non-polar because the polar bonds are oriented in opposite directions.