Explain why Carbon Dioxide has a linear shape with a bond angle of 180 degrees

Carbon Dioxide consists of 1 carbon atom covalently bonded to two oxygen atoms.Carbon is in group 4 and so has 4 electrons in its outer shell.Carbon shares two pairs of electrons with each of the oxygen atoms to acquire a full outer shell of 8 electrons.CO2 has a linear shape because the two regions of electron density repel each other to acquire maximum separation of 180 degrees.

RP
Answered by Richard P. Chemistry tutor

22312 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do I find the molecule from the 1H NMR spectrum?


In an experiment a burrette was identified as the largest source of uncertainty, how could this uncertainty be reduced?


explain why there is a decrease in first ionisation energy between elements phosphorus and sulfur


Explain: 1. Why butanoic acid has a higher boiling point than butan1-ol? 2. Why carboxylic acids of short chain length are more soluble in water than those with longer carbon chain length?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning