Question

What word or two-word phrase best describes the shape of the nitrite ( NO2- ) ion?

Answer 1

I think the answer would be nitrogen

Answer 2

Answer : The shape of the nitrite ion will be, bent.

Explanation :  

Formula used :

$\text{Number of electrons}=\frac{1}{2}[V+N-C+A]$

where,

V = number of valence electrons present in central atom

N = number of monovalent atoms bonded to central atom

C = charge of cation

A = charge of anion

First we have to determine the hybridization of the nitrite ion, $NO_2^-$ molecule.

$\text{Number of electrons}=\frac{1}{2}\times [5+1]=3$

The number of electrons are 3 that means the hybridization will be $sp^2$ and the electronic geometry of the molecule will be trigonal planar.

But as there are two atoms around the central nitrogen, the third position will be occupied by lone pair of electrons. The repulsion between lone and bond pair of electrons is more and hence the molecular geometry will be bent.

Hence, the shape of the nitrite ion will be, bent.