Ncert Exercises & Solutions

4.15 Although both ${CO}_{2}$ and $H_{2} O$ are triatomic molecules, the shape of $H_{2} O$ molecule is bent while that of ${CO}_{2}$ is linear. Explain this on the basis of dipole moment.

According to experimental results, the dipole moment of carbon dioxide is zero. This is possible only if the molecule is linear so that the dipole moments of C–O bonds are equal and opposite to nullify each other.

Resultant μ = 0 D

H_{2} O

, on the other hand, has a dipole moment value of 1.84 D (though it is a triatomic molecule as

{CO}_{2}

). The value of the dipole moment suggests that the structure of

H_{2} O

molecule is bent where the dipole moment of O–H bonds are unequal.

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