Question

What is the characteristic angle between atoms in a linear molecule, such as carbon dioxide?
A) 360 degrees
B) 180 degrees
C) 120 degrees
D) 90 degrees
E) 100 degrees

Answer 1

the angle between atoms in a linear angle is B) 180 degrees

Answer 2

Answer: A) 180 degrees

Explanation: According to VSEPR theory,No of electron pairs=$\frac{1}{2}\times [V+X-C+A]$

V= no of valence electrons of central atom (carbon) = 4

X= no of monovalent atoms = 0

C= cationic charge = 0

A= anionic charge = 0

No of electron pairs=$\frac{1}{2}\times [4+0-0+0=2]$

Thus as the electron pairs surrounding carbon is 2, the hybridization is $sp$. The shape of the molecule is linear and the bond angle is 180 degrees.