Which of the following molecules does NOT have an angular (bent) molecular geometry?

• A. CO_2
• B. SO_2
• C. O_3
• D. H_2O

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that molecular geometry depends on the arrangement of atoms and lone pairs around the central atom, which is predicted by the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory.
2. Step 2: Analyze each molecule's Lewis structure to determine the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs on the central atom. This will help predict the molecular shape.
3. Step 3: For CO_2, the central atom is carbon with two double bonds to oxygen atoms and no lone pairs, leading to a linear geometry.
4. Step 4: For SO_2, the central sulfur atom has one lone pair and two bonding pairs, which results in a bent (angular) shape due to lone pair repulsion.
5. Step 5: For O_3 and H_2O, both have lone pairs on the central atom causing the molecular geometry to be bent (angular). O_3 has resonance structures but overall bent shape, and H_2O has two lone pairs on oxygen causing a bent shape.