Question detail
Interpret the molecular shape of carbon dioxide (CO2) and state the bond angle.
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Bonding
Question
Interpret the molecular shape of carbon dioxide (CO2) and state the bond angle.
Answer
Carbon dioxide has a linear molecular shape with a bond angle of 180 degrees.
Explanation
The answer is strong as it correctly identifies the linear shape and bond angle of CO2, which is crucial for understanding its non-polar nature. This question assesses the ability to interpret molecular geometry based on bonding.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Bond Angles
Students often confuse the bond angles in simple molecular shapes, thinking they are all the same regardless of the presence of lone pairs.
To fix this, students should remember that lone pairs repel more than bonding pairs, which can alter the bond angles in a molecule. For example, in water (H₂O), the bond angle is approximately 104.5° due to the two lone pairs on the oxygen atom.
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