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Question

How do you determine if a molecule is linear?


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Solution

VSEPR theory:

  • It stands for Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory.
  • It is based on the concept that all atoms have a repulsion between their pairs of valence electrons, and that the atoms will organize themselves to minimize this repulsion.
  • It is used to determine the shape of molecules based on the electron pairs surrounding the molecule's main atoms.
  • The molecule will be linear if the central atom in the molecule forms a two sigma bond and has no lone pair on it.
  • The general formula for these types of compounds isAX2.
  • Example:CO2. It has carbon as its central atom joined with a double bond to the two surrounding oxygen atoms leaving no lone pair of electrons on the carbon atom

  • In the figure above, the dot represents the lone pair of electrons.

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