Question

“A non-polar molecule can have highly polar bonds”. Justify the statement.

Answer 1

A non-polar molecule can have highly polar bonds, as molecular dipole is a vector sum of different bond dipoles.

For example, there are two strong C=O dipoles in ${ CO }_{ 2 }$, but the molecule's net dipole moment is zero.

Dipole moment is ${ CO }_{ 2 }$ is as follows in below diagram.

${ CO }_{ 2 }$  molecule is symmetrical therefore, because it is a linear molecule. In this molecule, carbon sharing two oxygen atoms, the magnitude of dipole is equal in magnitude but points in opposite directions.

Answer 2

 non-polar molecule can have highly polar bonds, as molecular dipole is a vector sum of different bond dipoles.

For example, there are two strong C=O dipoles in { CO }_{ 2 }CO2​ , but the molecule's net dipole moment is zero.

Dipole moment is { CO }_{ 2 }CO2​ is as follows in below diagram.

{ CO }_{ 2 }CO2​  molecule is symmetrical therefore, because it is a linear molecule. In this molecule, carbon sharing two oxygen atoms, the magnitude of dipole is equal in magnitude but points in opposite directions.