Carbon dioxide has a very low boiling point. Explain why?

Carbon dioxide has a low boiling point because of its weak intermolecular forces (London dispersion forces) and its linear molecular structure, which results in a nonpolar molecule.

Carbon dioxide has a very low boiling point due to its intermolecular forces and molecular structure.

1. Intermolecular forces: Carbon dioxide molecules are held together by weak London dispersion forces. These forces are relatively weak compared to other intermolecular forces such as hydrogen bonding or dipole-dipole interactions. London dispersion forces result from temporary shifts in electron density, causing a temporary dipole. Since carbon dioxide has a linear molecular shape, the induced dipoles can align more easily, increasing the strength of the London dispersion forces. However, these forces are still weaker compared to other molecules with more complex structures.

2. Molecular structure: Carbon dioxide consists of one carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms. The oxygen atoms are highly electronegative, pulling the shared electrons towards themselves, resulting in a polar molecule. However, due to its linear shape, the polar bonds cancel each other out, making the molecule nonpolar overall.

These weak intermolecular forces, combined with the nonpolar nature of carbon dioxide, contribute to its low boiling point. The weak London dispersion forces between carbon dioxide molecules are easily overcome by the thermal energy of the surroundings, causing the molecules to separate and transition from the liquid to the gaseous state at a relatively low temperature. This is why carbon dioxide exists primarily as a gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.

To know more about intermolecular forces:

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