Final answer:
The molecular geometry of NO2− is bent or V-shaped due to the sp² hybridization of nitrogen and the presence of a lone pair of electrons which results in a bond angle slightly less than 120°.
Step-by-step explanation:
The molecular geometry of NO2− as predicted by the VSEPR model is bent or V-shaped. This is because the molecule has one nitrogen atom and two oxygen atoms (two nuclei) with nitrogen being sp² hybridized.
There is also one lone pair on the nitrogen, which affects the bond angle, making it slightly less than 120°. The bent shape can be thought of as a trigonal planar structure with a missing vertex because of the presence of the lone pair which takes up extra space.