Does CO2 have a net dipole moment?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether carbon dioxide (CO2) has a net dipole moment, which involves understanding the molecular geometry and electronegativity of oxygen and carbon. CO2 is a linear molecule, and due to the symmetrical arrangement of the polar bonds, we need to determine whether these cancel each other out, resulting in no net dipole moment.
Answer
CO2 has no net dipole moment.
The final answer is that CO2 has no net dipole moment.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is that CO2 has no net dipole moment.
More Information
Despite having substantial separation of charge, the linear structure of CO2 results in equal and opposite bond dipoles that cancel each other out.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming that the presence of polar bonds automatically means the molecule has a net dipole moment. The molecular geometry must also be considered.
Sources
- Polar Covalent Bonds - Dipole Moments - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
- Why does CO2 have no dipole moment but SO2 has? - Quora - quora.com
- Dipole Moments | MCC Organic Chemistry - courses.lumenlearning.com
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