Polarity in a molecule and hence the dipole moment depends primarily on electronegativity of the constituent atoms and shape of a molecule. Which of the following has the highest dipole moment?

Options

A. `CO_2`
B. `HI`
C. `H_2O`
D. `SO_2`

Answer

C

Explanation

`CO_2` being symmetrical has zero dipole moment

Among HI, `SO_2 and H_2O` dipole moment is highest for `H_2O` as in it the central atom contains 2 lone pairs