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.

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Answered by Richard P. Chemistry tutor

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