What is the molecular geometry of ozone (O_3)?

• A. Tetrahedral
• B. Bent
• C. Trigonal planar
• D. Linear

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Draw the Lewis structure of ozone (O_3). Ozone has 18 valence electrons (6 from each oxygen atom). Arrange the atoms with one oxygen in the center and the other two on the sides, then distribute electrons to satisfy the octet rule as much as possible.
2. Step 2: Identify the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs around the central oxygen atom. In ozone, the central oxygen is bonded to two other oxygens and has one lone pair of electrons.
3. Step 3: Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to determine the electron pair geometry. With two bonding pairs and one lone pair, the electron pair geometry is trigonal planar.
4. Step 4: Determine the molecular geometry by considering only the positions of the atoms (ignoring lone pairs). The presence of one lone pair causes a deviation from trigonal planar, resulting in a bent molecular shape.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the molecular geometry of ozone is bent due to the lone pair on the central oxygen atom causing a distortion from a linear or trigonal planar arrangement.