Knowee
Questions
Features
Study Tools

What is the shape (molecule geometry) of sulfur dioxide (SO₂)?

Question

What is the shape (molecule geometry) of sulfur dioxide (SO₂)?

🧐 Not the exact question you are looking for?Go ask a question

Solution

The shape of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is bent or V-shaped. Here's a step-by-step explanation:

  1. First, we need to understand the Lewis structure of SO₂. In the Lewis structure, sulfur (S) is the central atom, which is surrounded by two oxygen (O) atoms.

  2. Sulfur has six valence electrons, and each oxygen atom has six valence electrons. Sulfur shares one pair of electrons with each oxygen atom, forming two double bonds. This leaves one lone pair of electrons on the sulfur atom.

  3. The presence of this lone pair of electrons on the sulfur atom causes a bend in the structure of the molecule.

  4. According to the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory, the molecule takes a shape that minimizes the electron-pair repulsion, which in this case is a bent or V-shaped geometry.

  5. Therefore, the shape of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is bent or V-shaped.

This problem has been solved

Similar Questions

What is the actual bond angle in sulfur dioxide (SO₂)?

In the Lewis diagram of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), how many lone pairs are around the sulfur atom?

What is the shape (molecule geometry) of carbon dioxide (CO₂)?

How many valence electrons does sulfur dioxide (SO₂) have?

Why do we place sulfur in the middle of the Lewis diagram for SO₂?

1/3

Upgrade your grade with Knowee

Get personalized homework help. Review tough concepts in more detail, or go deeper into your topic by exploring other relevant questions.