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QuestionChemistry

"Is CO^2​ ionic or covalent?"
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this problem step by step, following the specified LaTeX and formatting guidelines:

Step 2:
: Understand the Chemical Bond Types

To determine whether $$CO_{2}$$ is ionic or covalent, we need to examine the bonding between carbon and oxygen atoms.
The key factors are: - Electronegativity difference - Type of elements involved - Electron sharing mechanism

Step 3:
: Analyze the Elements

- Carbon (C): Nonmetal - Oxygen (O): Nonmetal - When two nonmetals combine, they typically form covalent bonds

Step 4:
: Electronegativity Comparison

- Difference: $$3.44 - 2.55 = 0.89
- Oxygen's electronegativity: 3.44 - Small electronegativity difference suggests electron sharing, not electron transfer

Step 5:
: Electron Configuration

- Carbon has $$4$$ valence electrons
- Oxygen has 6 valence electrons - They share electrons to achieve stable electron configurations

Step 6:
: Bond Formation

- Molecular structure is $$O = C = O
- Each oxygen forms a double covalent bond with carbon - Electrons are shared, not transferred

Final Answer

CO_{2} is a COVALENT molecule, specifically with double covalent bonds between carbon and each oxygen atom.