Question

The number of molecules/ions that show linear geometry among the following is _____. SO₂, BeCl₂, CO₂, N₃⁻, NO₂, F₂O, XeF₂, NO₂⁺, I₃⁻, O₃

Hint:

Remember the hybridization and geometry of molecules and ions. Linear geometry occurs when the central atom has sp hybridization or sp³d hybridization with lone pairs in equatorial positions.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 6

To determine the geometry of each molecule/ion, we need to consider the Lewis structure, the number of electron domains (bonding pairs and lone pairs) around the central atom, and the VSEPR theory. 

1. SO₂: The central sulfur atom has one lone pair and two bonding pairs, leading to a bent or V-shaped geometry. 

2. BeCl₂: The central beryllium atom has two bonding pairs and no lone pairs, resulting in a linear geometry. 

3. CO₂: The central carbon atom has two double bonds and no lone pairs, resulting in a linear geometry. 

4. N₃⁻: The central nitrogen atom has two double bonds and no lone pairs, resulting in a linear geometry. 

5. NO₂: The central nitrogen atom has one lone pair and two bonding pairs, leading to a bent geometry. 

6. F₂O: The central oxygen atom has two lone pairs and two bonding pairs, resulting in a bent geometry. 

7. XeF₂: The central xenon atom has two bonding pairs and three lone pairs, resulting in a linear geometry. 

8. NO₂⁺: The central nitrogen atom has two double bonds and no lone pairs, resulting in a linear geometry. 

9. I₃⁻: The central iodine atom has two bonding pairs and three lone pairs, resulting in a linear geometry. 

10. O₃: The central oxygen atom has one lone pair and two bonding pairs, leading to a bent geometry. 

The molecules/ions with linear geometry are: 

\(BeCl_2\)
\(CO_2\)
\(N_3\)⁻
\(XeF_2\)
\(NO_2\)^+⁺
\(I_3\)^-⁻

Thus, there are 6 molecules/ions with linear geometry.