Which of the following compounds has a linear molecular geometry?

• A. None of the above
• B. H_2S
• C. N_2
• D. CO_2

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that molecular geometry depends on the arrangement of atoms and lone pairs around the central atom, which can be predicted using the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory.
2. Identify the central atom in each molecule and count the number of regions of electron density (bonding and lone pairs) around it.
3. For \(\mathrm{CO_2}\), the central atom is carbon, which forms two double bonds with oxygen atoms and has no lone pairs, resulting in two regions of electron density arranged linearly.
4. For \(\mathrm{N_2}\), it is a diatomic molecule with only two atoms bonded together, which by definition is linear.
5. For \(\mathrm{H_2S}\), sulfur is the central atom with two bonded hydrogen atoms and two lone pairs, leading to a bent molecular geometry, not linear.