Question detail
Explain how the molecular shape of carbon dioxide (CO2) affects the cancellation of bond dipoles.
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At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Bonding
Question
Explain how the molecular shape of carbon dioxide (CO2) affects the cancellation of bond dipoles.
Answer
In carbon dioxide (CO2), the molecular shape is linear due to the arrangement of the two double bonds around the central carbon atom. The bond dipoles from the C=O bonds are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction, leading to cancellation of the dipoles, resulting in a non-polar molecule.
Explanation
This answer is strong because it clearly describes the molecular shape and how it leads to the cancellation of dipoles. The question tests the understanding of molecular geometry and its impact on polarity.
Common mistake
Bond Dipole Cancellation
Students often incorrectly assume that if a molecule has polar bonds, it must be a polar molecule without considering its shape.
To determine if bond dipoles cancel, first identify the molecular shape. Use the VSEPR theory to predict the shape based on electron pair repulsion. If the shape is symmetrical, the dipoles may cancel out, resulting in a non-polar molecule. For example, in carbon dioxide (CO2), the linear shape leads to cancellation of dipoles, making it non-polar.
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