What is the molecular geometry around the central atom in CO2?

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Multiple Choice

What is the molecular geometry around the central atom in CO2?

Explanation:
In CO2, the carbon atom is bonded to two oxygens via double bonds, and there are no lone pairs on carbon. In VSEPR terms, that means there are two regions of electron density around the central atom. With just two regions, they arrange as far apart as possible, which is 180 degrees, giving a linear arrangement. So the molecule around the central carbon is linear, with the two oxygen atoms on opposite sides. The other shapes would require more electron domains or a lone pair on the central atom, which CO2 does not have.

In CO2, the carbon atom is bonded to two oxygens via double bonds, and there are no lone pairs on carbon. In VSEPR terms, that means there are two regions of electron density around the central atom. With just two regions, they arrange as far apart as possible, which is 180 degrees, giving a linear arrangement. So the molecule around the central carbon is linear, with the two oxygen atoms on opposite sides. The other shapes would require more electron domains or a lone pair on the central atom, which CO2 does not have.

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