Which of the following molecules is(are) non-polar ?
I. O₃ (angular)
II. H₂O (angular)
III. CO₂ (linear)

Question

Which of the following molecules is(are) non-polar ? I. O₃ (angular) II. H₂O (angular) III. CO₂ (linear)

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A molecule is non-polar if its dipoles are symmetrically arranged such that they cancel each other out. In molecule I, the oxygens are on opposite sides of the sulfur resulting in an asymmetric molecule, making it polar. In molecule II, the sulfur and oxygen have a dipole moment, but they are symmetrical, making the molecule non-polar. In molecule III, the two dipoles of sulfur and oxygen cancel each other out, making the molecule non-polar. Therefore, only molecules I and III are polar, and the correct answer is C.

Which of the Following Molecules Is(are) Non-Polar