In terms of structure and/or distribution of charge, why is #CO_2# a nonpolar molecule?

Answer 1

Because the vector sum of the indvidual bond dipoles is ZERO.......

Polarity reults from the geometric sum of the individual bond dipoles. For the #""^(delta^+)C=O^(delta^-)# bond there is some polarity, some charge separation. However, this polarity is precisely balanced by geometric summation with the other #""^(delta^-)O=C^(delta^+)# dipole, on the other side of the molecule. And thus carbon dioxide is a non-polar molecule.

On the other hand, for the carbon monoxide molecule, #""^(-)C-=O^+#, there is necessairly some degree of molecular polarity.

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Answer 2

Caleb Adams

CO2 is a nonpolar molecule because it has a linear molecular geometry and symmetrical distribution of its polar bonds. The two oxygen atoms are on opposite sides of the central carbon atom, and the electronegativity difference between carbon and oxygen is not significant enough to create a dipole moment. Therefore, the molecule has no net dipole moment and is considered nonpolar.

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Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.