MHTCET 20 Apr 2026 Shift 1 Paper

Concept:VSEPR theory predicts molecular shape based on bonding regions and lone pairs on the central atom.Explanation:In $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$, the central carbon has two bonding regions and no lone pair.This gives a linear arrangement with a bond angle of $180^{\circ}$.Its structure is: $\mathrm{O}=C=\mathrm{O}$.The other options are non-linear:$\mathrm{SO}_{2}$ is bent due to one lone pair on sulfur.$\mathrm{BCl}_{3}$ is trigonal planar with three bonding regions.$\mathrm{NH}_{3}$ is trigonal pyramidal due to one lone pair on nitrogen.Answer:The linear molecule is $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$.Correct option: C.