Water molecule has bent structure whereas carbon dioxide molecule is linear.

Question

Give reasons for the following

Water molecule has bent structure whereas carbon dioxide molecule is linear.

Answer 1

In water, the central oxygen atom is sp³? hybridised whereas inCO₂, the central carbon atom issp-hybridised. Net dipole moment of CO₂  is zero whereas H₂O has a considerable value. This shows CO₂ is linear whereas water has bent structure.