Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the molecular geometry of carbon dioxide (CO_2)?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
Multiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of ozone (O_3)?
A
Trigonal planar
B
Tetrahedral
C
Linear
D
Bent
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Draw the Lewis structure of ozone (O_3). Count the total valence electrons from all oxygen atoms (each oxygen has 6 valence electrons, so total is 18 electrons).
Step 2: Arrange the atoms with one oxygen in the center and the other two oxygens bonded to it. Connect the atoms with single bonds initially.
Step 3: Distribute the remaining electrons to satisfy the octet rule for each oxygen atom, forming double bonds and lone pairs as needed. Ozone has a resonance structure with one double bond and one single bond, and a lone pair on the central oxygen.
Step 4: Determine the electron domain geometry around the central oxygen atom by counting the regions of electron density (bonding and lone pairs). Ozone has three regions: two bonding pairs and one lone pair.
Step 5: Use VSEPR theory to predict the molecular geometry. With three electron domains and one lone pair, the shape is bent (angular), not trigonal planar or linear.
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