In linear molecules, the bond angle is

Q: In linear molecules, the bond angle is

In linear molecules, the bond angle is 90° 140° 109° 180° ✓ Explanation The shape of a molecule depends on how the electron pairs around the central atom arrange themselves. Electron pairs repel each other and spread out as far apart as possible to reduce repulsion. This idea is called VSEPR theory (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion). In a linear molecule, the central atom is bonded to two other atoms with no lone pairs on the central atom. The two bonding pairs repel each other and move as far apart as possible. The farthest they can get is on opposite sides of the central atom, forming a straight line. When the atoms are arranged in a straight line, the angle between the two bonds is 180°. Examples of linear molecules include carbon (IV) oxide (CO₂), where the structure is O=C=O, and hydrogen cyanide (HCN), where the structure is H−C≡N. The other bond angles belong to different molecular shapes. 109° is the bond angle in tetrahedral molecules like methane (CH₄). 90° is found in some octahedral or square planar arrangements. 140° is not a standard bond angle for any common molecular shape.

Question

Answer 1

In linear molecules, the bond angle is

90°
140°
109°
180° ✓

Explanation

The shape of a molecule depends on how the electron pairs around the central atom arrange themselves. Electron pairs repel each other and spread out as far apart as possible to reduce repulsion. This idea is called VSEPR theory (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion).

In a linear molecule, the central atom is bonded to two other atoms with no lone pairs on the central atom. The two bonding pairs repel each other and move as far apart as possible. The farthest they can get is on opposite sides of the central atom, forming a straight line.

When the atoms are arranged in a straight line, the angle between the two bonds is 180°. Examples of linear molecules include carbon (IV) oxide (CO₂), where the structure is O=C=O, and hydrogen cyanide (HCN), where the structure is H−C≡N.

The other bond angles belong to different molecular shapes. 109° is the bond angle in tetrahedral molecules like methane (CH₄). 90° is found in some octahedral or square planar arrangements. 140° is not a standard bond angle for any common molecular shape.