Question

According to the VSEPR theory, which one of the following species is linear?

1) H₂O
2) CO₂
3) NH₃
4) CH₄

Answer 1

According to the VSEPR theory, CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) is the linear species because it has two electron groups surrounding the central carbon in the form of double bonds and no lone pairs, leading to a linear shape.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory, the molecular geometry of a species is determined by the repulsions among all electron pairs in the valence shell of the central atom. Analyzing the given options:

• H₂O (Water) has a bent shape due to two lone pairs causing repulsion on the two hydrogen-oxygen bonds.
• CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) is an example of a molecule that is linear because it has two electron groups in the form of double bonds, and no lone pairs, causing it to have a linear shape with a 180° angle.
• NH₃ (Ammonia) has a trigonal pyramidal shape due to one lone pair on the nitrogen.
• CH₄ (Methane) has a tetrahedral shape as it has four electron groups bonded symmetrically around the central carbon atom.

Therefore, CO₂ is the species that is linear according to the VSEPR theory