Question #2bb07

1 Answer
Dr. Hayek
Oct 16, 2015

CO_2 molecule has a linear shape .

Explanation:

In order to predict the shape and molecular geometry of molecules, we will need to draw their Lewis structures.

The Lewis structure for carbon dioxide is represented in this figure:
enter image source here
As represented in the figure above, the shape of the molecule CO_2 is Linear.

Let us consider another example: NO_2.

The Lewis structure of nitrogen dioxide is represented in this figure:
enter image source here
As represented in the figure above, the shape of the molecule NO_2 is Bent.

The lone pair on nitrogen will push the two N-O bonds away of it, because of the repulsion of their electrons.

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