Solution By Steps

Step 1: Lewis Structure of CO2

Carbon has 4 valence electrons, and oxygen has 6 valence electrons each. The total valence electrons for CO2 is 4 © + 2(6) (O) = 16 electrons.

Step 2: Lewis Structure of CO2

Place the carbon atom in the center and the oxygen atoms on either side. Connect each oxygen to the carbon with a double bond (4 electrons shared).

Step 3: Lewis Structure of CO2

Distribute the remaining electrons around the oxygen atoms to satisfy the octet rule. Each oxygen should have 8 electrons around it (2 lone pairs).

Step 4: Lewis Structure of CO2

The Lewis structure of CO2 is O=C=O, with each oxygen having 2 lone pairs and sharing a double bond with carbon.

Step 5: Molecular Shape of CO2

CO2 has a linear molecular shape. The two oxygen atoms are on opposite sides of the carbon atom, creating a straight line.

Final Answer

Lewis Structure: O=C=O

Molecular Shape: Linear

Key Concept

Lewis Structure & Molecular Shape

Key Concept Explanation

The Lewis structure helps determine how atoms are connected in a molecule, while the molecular shape describes the arrangement of atoms in space. In CO2, the linear shape results from the arrangement of the atoms around the central carbon atom, leading to a linear molecule. Understanding these structures is crucial in predicting a molecule’s properties and behavior in chemical reactions.