Question

Predict the geometry around the central atom in SO2- A) trigonal pyramidal B) tetrahedral C) octahedral D) trigonal planar E) trigonal bipyramidal

Answer 1

Answer: The correct answer is Option D.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the hybridization of
`SO_2`, we use the equation:

`\text{Number of electron pair}=(1)/(2)[V+N-C+A]`

where,

V = number of valence electrons present in central atom (S) = 6

N = number of monovalent atoms bonded to central atom = 0

C = charge of cation = 0

A = charge of anion = 0

Putting values in above equation, we get:

`\text{Number of electron pair}=(1)/(2)[6]=3`

The number of electron pair around the central metal atom are 3. This means that the hybridization will be
`sp^2` and the electronic geometry of the molecule will be trigonal planar.

Hence, the correct answer is Option D.