Final answer:
SO₂ is bent (nonlinear) according to VSEPR theory because the lone pair of electrons on the central sulfur atom causes the molecule to adopt a bent geometry to minimize electron pair repulsion. The correct answer is option: c. SO₂
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the VSEPR theory, out of the given molecules, SO₂ should be bent (nonlinear). This is because sulfur dioxide has a central sulfur atom with two bonded oxygen atoms and one lone pair of electrons. The repulsion between the bonded pairs and the lone pair will cause the molecule to adopt a bent geometry to minimize repulsion, leading to an angular shape.
Other molecules listed like CO₂ and BeCl₂ have linear structures because there are no lone pairs on the central atom to cause a deviation from a straight line. C₂H₂ (acetylene) is also linear, having a triple bond between the two carbon atoms. KrF₂ has linear geometry as well because there are no lone pairs on the central krypton atom.