Question

The shape of the sulfur dioxide molecule, where sulfur is the central atom is

Answer 1

Answer:

bent

Explanation:

The molecular formula of sulfur dioxide is written as SO₂

The molecular geometry of sulfur dioxide can be determined using the Lewis structure.

The Lewis structure shows the distribution of electrons around the atoms of a given compound such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂).

In this compound, sulfur is the central atom with 6 valence electrons.

The sulfur is bonded covalently with two oxygen atoms, each with 6 valence electrons. Oxygen contributes 2 lone pairs while sulfur which is the central atom contributes 1 lone pair of electrons in the bond.

The bond angle between the two oxygen atoms and the central sulfur atom is approximately 120⁰, as a result of the bent shape of the molecular structure.