Question

Linear form of carbondioxide molecule has two polar bonds. Yet the molecule has Zero dipole moment. Why?

Answer 1

The linear form of carbon dioxide has zero dipole moment, even though it has two polar bonds. In CO₂, the dipole moments of two polar bonds (CO) are equal in magnitude but have opposite direction. Hence, the net dipole moment of the CO₂ is,

μ = μ₁ + μ₂ = μ₁ + (-μ₁) = 0

In this case μ = `vec mu_1 + vec mu_2`

`= vec mu_1 + vec ((-mu_1) = 0`