The Total solution for NCERT class 6-12
Although both CO2 and H2O are triatomic molecules,the shape of H2O molecule is bent while that of CO2 is linear. Explainthis on the basis of dipole moment.
According to experimentalresults, the dipole moment of carbon dioxide is zero. This is possible only ifthe molecule is linear so that the dipole moments of C–O bonds are equal andopposite to nullify each other.
Resultant μ = 0 D
H2O, on the other hand, hasa dipole moment value of 1.84 D (though it is a triatomic molecule as CO2). The value of the dipolemoment suggests that the structure of H2O molecule is bent wherethe dipole moment of O–H bonds are unequal.