The carbon dioxide molecule is linear.The electronegativities of C and O are 2.5 and 3.5,respectively.Based on these values and on consideration of molecular geometry,the C-O bond is ________ and the molecule is ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The C-O bond is polar due to the difference in electronegativity between carbon (2.5) and oxygen (3.5). However, because the CO2 molecule is linear, the polarities of the two C-O bonds cancel each other out, making the molecule nonpolar.

The Carbon Dioxide Molecule Is Linear