Question

The shape of the $S{O}_2$ molecule is

• A. Linear
• B. T- shaped
• C. Pyramidal
• D. Bent

Answer 1

The correct option is D Bent

Both Sulphur and Oxygen have a similar valence electronic configuration – 6 valence electrons$\left(n{s}^{2}n{p}^4\right)$ There are two molecules of oxygen while there is only one of Sulphur. Let us draw the Lewis structures shall we?

So there seem to be two canonical structures. In either case, all the octets are complete. The actual molecule may be considered to be a resonance hybrid of these two canonical structures. For the central atom, using the VSEPR theory, there are two sigma bonds and one lone pair. So we can say the central atom is $s{p}^2$ hybridized
Obviously the molecule is bent. So option (d) is the answer.