Question

A molecule has two atoms that are bonded to the central atom and one lone pair of electrons around this central atom. What is the shape of the molecule?
bent
linear
trigonal planar
trigonal pyramidal

Answer 1

The shape of the molecule is trigonal planar.
For example, H₂O:
     ..
    O
  /    \
H     H

Answer 2

Answer:

bent

Explanation:

Let’s take the example of SO₂, here the central S atom has 6 valence electrons. S uses 1 pair of electron to form a double bond with each O atom. So, S in total uses four of its valence electrons to form two double bonds with two O atoms. Now after bond formation two electrons are still left on S, thus S has a lone pair of electron. In the absence of a lone pair of electron on S, SO₂ would have a linear structure, O=S=O. However, the lone pair-bond pair repulsion causes SO₂ to have a bent structure.