Step 1: Understand what a nonpolar molecule is. A nonpolar molecule has an even distribution of electrical charge, meaning it does not have distinct positive or negative ends.
Step 2: Look at the given molecule, CO2 (carbon dioxide).
Step 3: Determine the shape of CO2. CO2 is a linear molecule, which means the atoms are arranged in a straight line.
Step 4: Identify the symmetry in CO2. Since CO2 has two oxygen atoms on either side of the carbon atom, it is symmetrical.
Step 5: Understand dipole moments. A dipole moment occurs when there is a difference in charge distribution. In CO2, the dipole moments from the carbon-oxygen bonds cancel each other out due to the symmetry.
Step 6: Conclude that because the dipole moments cancel out, CO2 does not have a net dipole moment, making it a nonpolar molecule.
