Multiple Choice
Which of the following molecules is nonpolar?
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13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces
Molecular Polarity
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Which of the following statements best describes the polarity of a carbon dioxide (CO_2) molecule?
A
CO_2 is a polar molecule because it has a bent shape.
B
CO_2 is a nonpolar molecule because its linear geometry causes the dipole moments to cancel.
C
CO_2 is a polar molecule because it contains polar bonds.
D
CO_2 is a nonpolar molecule because it contains only nonpolar bonds.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Identify the molecular geometry of CO_2. Carbon dioxide has a linear shape because the central carbon atom forms two double bonds with oxygen atoms, and there are no lone pairs on the carbon.
Step 2: Understand bond polarity. Each C=O bond is polar due to the difference in electronegativity between carbon and oxygen, which creates a dipole moment pointing from carbon to oxygen.
Step 3: Analyze the vector sum of dipole moments. Since CO_2 is linear, the two polar bonds are oriented 180 degrees apart, so their dipole moments are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction.
Step 4: Determine the overall molecular polarity. Because the dipole moments cancel each other out due to the linear geometry, the molecule has no net dipole moment and is therefore nonpolar.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct description is: 'CO_2 is a nonpolar molecule because its linear geometry causes the dipole moments to cancel.'
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