Question

What word or two-word phrase best describes the shape of the hydrogen cyanide ( hcn ) molecule?

Answer 1

The best word describes the shape of HCN molecule is Linear
The type of hybridization of carbon in HCN is sp due to it forms triple bond and surrounded from two sides with two bonding pairs and according to VSPER (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory) the two pairs must be as far from each others as possible so it takes the linear shape  

Answer 2

Answer : Linear

Explanation : Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) when drwan in the Lewis diagram shows carbon atom at the center with no lone electron pairs.

The carbon and nitrogen atoms are bonded through a triple bond which counts as "one electron pair".

The molecule has two electron pairs in all and appears to be linear.

Also, according to the VSEPR theory; the electron clouds on atoms around the carbon will try to repel each other.

They will get pushed apart, which gives HCN molecule a linear molecular geometry or shape.

The bond angle that is developed will be 180 degrees since it has a linear molecular geometry of HCN. The hybridisation observed in this molecule is SP.