The shape of the molecule of Carbon(IV) oxide is

The shape of the molecule of Carbon(IV) oxide, also known as carbon dioxide (CO₂), is linear. This is because of the following reasons:

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂) consists of one carbon atom covalently double bonded to two oxygen atoms.
• Carbon, being the central atom, has no lone pairs of electrons. It forms double bonds with each of the two oxygen atoms.
• The double bonds between carbon and the two oxygen atoms are on opposite sides of the carbon atom. This creates a structure where the atoms are aligned in a straight line, producing a linear shape.
• The bond angle between the oxygen-carbon-oxygen atoms is approximately 180 degrees, further confirming its linear nature.

Due to this arrangement, carbon dioxide has a symmetric shape, making it non-polar despite having polar covalent bonds. The pulling forces of the two oxygen atoms on either side of the carbon atom cancel each other out, reinforcing its linear configuration.