Why are electrons shared equally in oxygen . but not in carbon monoxide?

Answer 1

If you take O2 the bond between them where electrons are shared equally; there is no electronegativity difference between them whereas if you take CO (carbon monoxide) the bonds are made between electronegative difference element in which case Ois more electronegative than C.

Answer 2

To explain this, you will need to understand differences in electronegativity. Electronegativity is the ability to attract electrons.Let's look at the molecules of Oxygen(O2) and Carbon monoxide(CO). In Oxygen, the two Oxygen atoms (2 atoms of the same element) have equal electronegativity so they both attract the electrons equally. This leads to an even distribution of electrons in the Oxygen molecule. However, in Carbon monoxide, the Carbon and Oxygen atoms have different electronegativity(Oxygen is a stronger electron attractor than Carbon), which causes the more electrons to group around the Oxygen atom than in the Carbon atom. In other words, electrons aren't shared equally in CO.

Answer 3

In the carbon monoxide a difference in the electronegativities of C and O exist; in O2 any difference exist.