Question

Is $$CO_2$$ an ionic salt or covalent molecule?

Answer 1

A non-polar covalent molecule (with a polar covalent bond).

$$CO_2$$ is made up of:
$$-1$$ carbon atom
$$-2$$ oxygen atom
Carbon and oxygen are non-metals, thus we know carbon dioxide is a covalent compounds

Another method is by calculating the difference in electronegative, we can determine the polarity of molecule. Calculating the electronegative also provides the intermolecular force within the compound.
Ionic compounds -ionic $$1.7+$$

Covalent compounds

-Polar Covalent Bonds: $$0.5\to 1.6$$

-Non polar Covalent Bonds: $$0.0\to 0.4$$
$$\Delta EN=3.5-2.5$$
$$=1.0$$

$$1$$ is between $$0.5\to 1.7$$ therefore there is a polar bond within the molecule. In addition the molecule is a covalent compounds.
$$CO_2$$ is a polar covalent molecule..... under normal circumstances.

Examining the geometric shape of the molecule, results in the linear shape a symmetrical geometry. This results in the dipoles cancelling out, therefore the molecules becomes non-polar despite its polar bond.
Therefore $$CO_2$$ is a covalent molecule, non-polar specifically however, it has a polar covalent bond(intramolecular force).