Concept:Molecular geometry is predicted by the arrangement of electron pairs around the central atom using the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) Theory.
Explanation:Carbon(IV) oxide has the chemical formula
CO2.
Its structural formula is
O=C=O.
The central carbon atom forms two double bonds with two oxygen atoms.
There are no lone pairs of electrons on the central carbon atom.
So, there are only two bonding regions around carbon.
These two bonding regions repel each other and stay as far apart as possible.
This gives a bond angle of
180∘.
Therefore, the three atoms lie in a straight line, giving a linear shape.
Although each
C=O bond is polar, the two bond dipoles are equal and opposite, so they cancel out symmetrically.
The geometry remains linear and the overall molecule is nonpolar.
Answer:D. linear