Which of the following molecules have zero dipole?

Options

A. `CS_(2)`
B. `CO_(2)`
C. `C Cl_(4)`
D. `CH_(2)Cl_(2)`

Answer

To determine which of the given molecules have zero dipole moments, we need to analyze the molecular geometry and the electronegativity of the atoms involved in each molecule. A molecule has a zero dipole moment if the individual dipole moments cancel each other out due to symmetry.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Dipole Moment**:
- A dipole moment arises from the separation of charges in a molecule, which is influenced by the difference in electronegativity between the bonded atoms.
- The dipole moment is represented as a vector pointing from the positive charge to the negative charge.

2. **Analyzing CS2 (Carbon Disulfide)**:
- CS2 has a linear shape (C=S=S).
- Sulfur is more electronegative than carbon, so the dipole moments from both sulfur atoms will point towards the sulfur atoms.
- Since the molecule is linear and symmetrical, the dipole moments will cancel each other out.
- **Conclusion**: CS2 has a zero dipole moment.

3. **Analyzing CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)**:
- CO2 also has a linear shape (C=O=O).
- Oxygen is more electronegative than carbon, so the dipole moments will point towards the oxygen atoms.
- Similar to CS2, the symmetrical arrangement causes the dipole moments to cancel out.
- **Conclusion**: CO2 has a zero dipole moment.

4. **Analyzing CCl4 (Carbon Tetrachloride)**:
- CCl4 has a tetrahedral shape.
- Chlorine is more electronegative than carbon, so the dipole moments will point towards the chlorine atoms.
- The symmetrical tetrahedral arrangement allows the dipole moments to cancel each other out.
- **Conclusion**: CCl4 has a zero dipole moment.

5. **Analyzing CH2Cl2 (Dichloromethane)**:
- CH2Cl2 also has a tetrahedral shape.
- The dipole moments from the chlorine atoms point towards chlorine, while the dipole moments from the hydrogen atoms point towards carbon.
- Due to the asymmetrical arrangement of the atoms, the dipole moments do not cancel out completely.
- **Conclusion**: CH2Cl2 has a non-zero dipole moment.

### Final Answer:
The molecules with zero dipole moments are:
- CS2
- CO2
- CCl4