Question

What is the possibility of the value of the difference in electronegativity in carbon dioxide?

• A. $>2$
• B. $=2$
• C. $<2$
• D. $<-2$

Answer 1

The correct option is C

$<2$

If the difference in electronegativities between the two atoms is equal to or greater than 0, but less than 2.0, then the bond is covalent.
Nature of chemical bond in carbon dioxide is covalent, hence the difference in electronegativity of two elements is <2.

Note: The electronegativity of carbon is 3.44 and that of oxygen is 2.55. Thus, electronegativity difference of each C-O bond is 3.44 - 2.55 = 0.89 in $C{O}_2$ molecule.