NCERT Class XI Chemistry Solutions

Question : 15

Total: 40

Although both CO2 and H2O are triatomic molecules, the shape of H2O molecule is bent while that of CO2 is linear. Explain this on the basis of dipole moment.

Solution:

Even though both CO2 and H2O are triatomic, but CO2 has zero dipole moment. It implies that CO2 has a symmetrical structure which is possible only when it is linear. However, H2O has a net dipole moment suggesting that the molecule is non-linear.

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