Which of the following best describes the bond angle in a molecule of carbon dioxide (CO_2)?

• A. 90^ext{o}
• B. 120^ext{o}
• C. 109.5^ext{o}
• D. 180^ext{o}

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the molecular geometry of carbon dioxide (CO\_2). CO\_2 has a central carbon atom double bonded to two oxygen atoms, with no lone pairs on the carbon.
2. Determine the electron domain geometry around the central atom. Since there are two regions of electron density (the two double bonds), the electron domain geometry is linear.
3. Recall that in a linear molecular geometry, the bond angle between the atoms is 180\^\{\circ\}.
4. Compare the given options with the expected bond angle for a linear molecule. The only option matching 180\^\{\circ\} is the correct bond angle for CO\_2.
5. Conclude that the bond angle in CO\_2 is 180\^\{\circ\} due to its linear shape and absence of lone pairs on the central atom.