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The shape of the sulfur dioxide molecule, where sulfur is the central atom is

bent.
linear.
trigonal planar.
tetrahedral.

User Hamit
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1 Answer

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27 votes

Answer:

bent

Step-by-step explanation:

The molecular formula of sulfur dioxide is written as SO₂

The molecular geometry of sulfur dioxide can be determined using the Lewis structure.

The Lewis structure shows the distribution of electrons around the atoms of a given compound such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂).

In this compound, sulfur is the central atom with 6 valence electrons.

The sulfur is bonded covalently with two oxygen atoms, each with 6 valence electrons. Oxygen contributes 2 lone pairs while sulfur which is the central atom contributes 1 lone pair of electrons in the bond.

The bond angle between the two oxygen atoms and the central sulfur atom is approximately 120⁰, as a result of the bent shape of the molecular structure.

User George Lund
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