Which molecule is linear? 1) SO3 2) CO2 3) CL2O 4) H2S
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The molecule that is linear among the options is CO₂ (carbon dioxide).
Explanation:
The shape of a molecule is determined by the arrangement of its atoms and the repulsion between electron pairs around the central atom, as described by the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory. Let’s analyze each molecule:
- SO₃ (Sulfur trioxide):
- SO₃ has a trigonal planar geometry. The central sulfur atom forms double bonds with three oxygen atoms, and there are no lone pairs on the sulfur. This results in an arrangement where the three oxygen atoms are spread out around the sulfur in a flat, triangular shape. Therefore, SO₃ is not linear.
- CO₂ (Carbon dioxide):
- In CO₂, the central carbon atom forms double bonds with two oxygen atoms. The carbon atom has no lone pairs, and the molecule follows the AX₂ type in the VSEPR model, meaning it has two bonding pairs and no lone pairs on the central atom. The molecule adopts a linear shape with an angle of 180° between the two oxygen atoms. Hence, CO₂ is linear.
- Cl₂O (Dichlorine monoxide):
- The central chlorine atom in Cl₂O has one lone pair and is bonded to two oxygen atoms. This molecule adopts a bent or V-shape due to the lone pair of electrons on chlorine. The presence of the lone pair creates repulsion, causing the bonded atoms to be angled. Therefore, Cl₂O is not linear.
- H₂S (Hydrogen sulfide):
- In H₂S, the central sulfur atom has two bonding pairs with hydrogen atoms and two lone pairs of electrons. The repulsion between the lone pairs pushes the hydrogen atoms closer together, creating a bent or V-shape with an angle of about 92°. Therefore, H₂S is not linear.
Thus, the only linear molecule in the list is CO₂.