What is the molecular geometry of carbon dioxide (CO2)?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the molecular geometry of carbon dioxide (CO2), which refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule. To find this, we need to consider the bonding and the number of lone pairs around the central carbon atom.
Answer
linear
The final answer is linear
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is linear
More Information
CO2 has a linear molecular geometry because the carbon atom forms two double bonds with two oxygen atoms, and there are no lone pairs on the carbon atom that would cause repulsion and alter the shape.
Tips
A common mistake is to forget that CO2 has no lone pairs on the central carbon atom, which is crucial for its linear shape.
Sources
- CO2 Molecular Geometry and Bond Angles - unacademy.com
- Solved What is the molecular geometry of carbon dioxide, CO2 - chegg.com
- Lewis Structure of Carbon Dioxide - BYJU'S - byjus.com
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