Although both $C O_{2}$ and $H_{2} O$ are triatomic molecules, the shape of $H_{2} O$ molecule is bent while that of $C O_{2}$ is linear. Explain this on the basis of dipole moment.

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Solution

According to experimental results, the dipole moment of carbon dioxide is zero. This is possible only if the molecule is linear so that the dipole moments of C–O bonds are equal and opposite to nullify each other. No lone pair electrons remain in the central atom.

Resultant μ = 0 D

$H_{2} O$ , on the other hand, has a dipole moment value of 1.84 D (though it is a triatomic molecule as $C O_{2})$ . The value of the dipole moment suggests that the structure of $H_{2} O$ molecule is bent where the dipole moment of O–H bonds are unequal. Two lone pair electrons remain in the central atom which repels the bond pair.

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Dipole Moment

Standard XII Chemistry

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Although both CO2 and H2O are triatomic molecules, the shape of H2O molecule is bent while that of CO2 is linear. Explain this on the basis of dipole moment.

Although both $C O_{2}$ and $H_{2} O$ are triatomic molecules, the shape of $H_{2} O$ molecule is bent while that of $C O_{2}$ is linear. Explain this on the basis of dipole moment.