Question

what is the shape of the ozone (o3) molecule? a linear b bent c trigonal planar d trigonal pyramidal

Explanation:

To determine the shape of the ozone (\(O_3\)) molecule, we analyze its Lewis structure and use VSEPR theory. The central oxygen atom has a steric number of 3 (2 bonding pairs and 1 lone pair). The electron - pair geometry is trigonal planar, but due to the repulsion from the lone pair, the molecular geometry (shape) is bent. Linear (option A) is incorrect as the molecule is not straight. Trigonal planar (option C) is the electron - pair geometry, not the molecular shape. Trigonal pyramidal (option D) is the shape of molecules like \(NH_3\) with a central atom having 3 bonding pairs and 1 lone pair, which is not the case for \(O_3\).

Answer:

B. Bent