Consider this structure, where X and Y represent generic elements. A central Y atom is bonded to two X atoms. What shape would this molecule have in three dimensions? pyramidal bent linear tetrahedral trigonal planar What bond angles would this molecule have in three dimensions?

linear

Explanation:

The shape of a molecule is derived from the Valence Shell electron pair repulsion theory (VSEPR). According to the theory, the number electron pairs on the valence shell of the central atom in a molecule determines its shape. This is because, electron pairs in a molecule orient themselves are far apart in space as possible to minimize repulsions between electron pairs. Lone pairs cause more repulsion than bond pairs.

For a molecule XY2 having two bond pairs and no lone pair, the two bond pairs will orient themselves at an angle of 180° from each other, that is, along a straight line. Hence the three dimensional representation of the molecule molecule is linear.