Dipole Moment

Question

Which of the following molecules has zero dipole moment?

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

The **Dipole Moment ($\mu$)** is a vector quantity. A molecule has zero net dipole moment if its individual bond dipoles cancel out due to symmetry.
1. **$CO_2$**: Linear structure ($O=C=O$). The two $C=O$ bond dipoles are equal in magnitude but act in exactly opposite directions ($180^\circ$). Resultant $\mu = 0$.
2. **$H_2O$**: Bent shape. Bond dipoles don't cancel. $\mu 
eq 0$.
3. **$NH_3$**: Trigonal pyramidal shape. Resultant $\mu 
eq 0$.
4. **$HCl$**: Polar diatomic molecule. $\mu 
eq 0$.

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Dipole Moment

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More dipole moment Practice Questions

Among BF₃, NF₃, and ClF₃, the correct order of increasing dipole moment is:

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