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.