Chapter 11, Problem 16STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The molecular shape displays by carbon dioxide needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

The molecular shape of the molecule depends on the number of bonds and lone pairs of electrons present in the molecule. The total number of valence electrons decides the hybridization of the central atom thus, the molecular geometry. The number of lone pairs decides the molecular shape which is different from molecular geometry due to lone pair-bond pair repulsion.

Answer to Problem 16STP

Correct Answer: Option D.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for correct option:

In a carbon dioxide molecule, the carbon atom has 4 valence electrons. It is bonded to 2 oxygen atoms via a double bond. Thus, the bonded pair of electrons will be 2 or all the 4 valence electrons are involved in the bonded.

The number of lone pairs of electrons on C atom is zero. The hybridization of C atom will be sp and molecular geometry and molecular shape will be linear.

Therefore, option D is correct.

Conclusion

Reason for incorrect option:

The other molecular geometries do not match with total number of bonded pair of atoms of carbon dioxide molecule. Thus, they are incorrect options.