What type of intermolecular force of attraction is found in co2?

1 Answer
Apr 11, 2014

Carbon Dioxide (#CO_2#) has covalent bonds and dispersion forces.

CO₂ is a linear molecule. The O-C-O bond angle is 180°.

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Since O is more electronegative than C, the C-O bond is polar with the negative end pointing toward the O.

CO has two C-O bonds. The dipoles point in opposite directions, so they cancel each other out.

Thus, although CO₂ has polar bonds, it is a nonpolar molecule. Therefore, the only intermolecular forces are London dispersion forces.

The three main types of intermolecular forces are:
1. Dispersion Forces
2. Dipole-Dipole Interactions
3. Hydrogen Bonds

This video gives more information about these types of forces:

  1. London Dispersion Forces at 3:18
  2. Dipole-Dipole Forces at 4:45
  3. Hydrogen Bonds at 5:29