Which molecule has a linear shape?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A.
- Step 1: Apply VSEPR theory to analyze the geometry around the central atom: identify bond pairs and lone pairs.
- Step 2: In carbon dioxide (), the central carbon forms two double bonds with oxygen atoms and has no non-bonding lone pairs ( hybridization, steric number 2).
- Step 3: To minimize repulsion, the two double-bond domains orient apart, giving a linear molecular geometry.
Answer
.
Why not the others: has a bent/V-shape with two lone pairs; is trigonal pyramidal with one lone pair; is bent due to a lone pair on sulfur.
Practise more Chemical bonding.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed JEE Main mock tests.