Question

The molecules of SO₂and H₂O have dipole moment but CO₂has no dipole moment. Thus we refer to SO₂and H₂O as polar molecules and CO₂as a non polar molecule. The polarity of molecules is imp. in studying various properties like structure and reactivity, solvation, acidity- basicity etc. Suggest why CO₂is a non polar molecule.

Answer 1

CO₂ (O=C=O) is a symmetrical linear molecule with a bond angle of 180⁰C. Thus its net dipole moment is zero as dipole moment on both the sides gets cancelled and hence it is a non polar molecule.