Which of the following molecules has a linear geometry?
Practice Questions
Q1
Which of the following molecules has a linear geometry?
CO2
H2O
NH3
CH4
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which of the following molecules has a linear geometry?
Step 1: Identify the molecule in question, which is CO2 (carbon dioxide).
Step 2: Determine the central atom in CO2, which is carbon (C).
Step 3: Count the number of bonds that carbon forms with oxygen (O) atoms. CO2 has two double bonds (C=O).
Step 4: Check for lone pairs on the central atom (carbon). In CO2, there are no lone pairs on carbon.
Step 5: Use the VSEPR theory (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) to predict the shape. With two double bonds and no lone pairs, the molecule will have a linear shape.
Step 6: Conclude that the bond angle in CO2 is 180 degrees, confirming its linear geometry.
