Which of the following gas molecules exhibits a linear molecular geometry according to valence shell electron pair repulsion theory?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Carbon dioxide features a central carbon atom double-bonded to two oxygen atoms with no lone pairs on the carbon, resulting in a strictly linear geometry with a bond angle of 180 degrees. Water and sulfur dioxide possess bent geometries due to lone pair repulsions on their central atoms. Ammonia adopts a trigonal pyramidal structure because of one lone pair on the nitrogen atom. Molecular geometry dictates macroscopic physical properties like dipole moments.