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

19619 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is an optical isomer?


What is meant by the 'First Ionisation Energy' of an element?


How does the structure and bonding of alkanes differ to that of alkenes?


Explain the trend in boiling points between HF, HCl and HBr.


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning