Although both CO2 and H2O are triatomic molecules, the shape of H2O molecule is bent while that of CO2 is linear.
Question:
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:
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
H2O, on the other hand, has a dipole moment value of 1.84 D (though it is a triatomic molecule as CO2). The value of the dipole moment suggests that the structure of H2O molecule is bent where the dipole moment of O–H bonds are unequal.
