The distance between the centres of carbon and oxygen in the carbon monoxide molecules is 1.13 x 10-10 m. The distance of the centre of mass of the molecule relative to the oxygen atom is :
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The location of the centre of mass from an object in a two-object system is inversely proportional to the mass of the object.
The atomic mass of oxygen = 16
The atomic mass of carbon = 12
Total atomic mass = 16 + 12 = 28
The location of centre of mass relative to oxygen atom = (1.13 x 10-10) x 12 / 28
= 0.48 x 10-10 m.