# Explain why carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a non-polar molecule despite containing two polar covalent bonds.

> IB DP Chemistry Standard Level (2023 syllabus) — S2.2 The covalent model · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The C=O bonds are polar due to the difference in electronegativity between carbon and oxygen.
2. CO₂ has a linear shape/geometry.
3. There are no lone pairs on the central carbon atom, so the two bond dipoles point in exactly opposite directions.
4. The two equal and opposite bond dipoles cancel, so the net/overall dipole moment is zero and the molecule is non-polar.

## Key terms

- [polar covalent bond](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/polar-covalent-bond)
- [non-polar molecule](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/non-polar-molecule)

## Related

- [Revision notes for IB DP Chemistry Standard Level (2023 syllabus)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-carbon-dioxide-co-is-8796b03a) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.