Question

what is the closest bond angle around the central atom in the so₂ molecule? 120° 180° 90° 109.5°

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the electron - pair geometry

Sulfur dioxide (\(SO_{2}\)) has a central sulfur atom. The sulfur atom has 6 valence electrons. In \(SO_{2}\), it forms two double bonds with oxygen atoms and has one lone pair of electrons. According to the VSEPR (Valence - Shell Electron - Pair Repulsion) theory, the electron - pair geometry is trigonal planar.

Step2: Consider the effect of lone pair on bond angle

In a trigonal planar electron - pair geometry (with \(sp^{2}\) hybridization), if there were no lone pairs, the bond angle would be \(120^{\circ}\). But due to the presence of one lone pair, the bond angle is slightly less than \(120^{\circ}\). Among the given options, \(120^{\circ}\) is the closest.

Answer:

\(120^{\circ}\)