Question

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

Answer 1

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

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

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