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NEET CHEMISTRYEasy

Which among the following species has a triangular planar shape?

A

N3\text{N}_3^-

B

NO3\text{NO}_3^-

C

NO2\text{NO}_2^-

D

CO2\text{CO}_2

Step-by-Step Solution

To find the shape of the given species, we can determine the steric number (number of σ\sigma bonds + number of lone pairs on the central atom) according to VSEPR theory:

  • NO3\text{NO}_3^- (Nitrate ion): The central nitrogen atom forms 33 σ\sigma bonds with three oxygen atoms and has 00 lone pairs. The steric number is 33, which corresponds to sp2sp^2 hybridisation and a trigonal planar (or triangular planar) geometry.
  • N3\text{N}_3^- (Azide ion): The central nitrogen atom forms 22 σ\sigma bonds with the terminal nitrogen atoms and has 00 lone pairs. The steric number is 22, which gives it a linear shape.
  • NO2\text{NO}_2^- (Nitrite ion): The central nitrogen atom forms 22 σ\sigma bonds and possesses 11 lone pair. The steric number is 33, but due to the presence of a lone pair, its shape is bent or V-shaped.
  • CO2\text{CO}_2 (Carbon dioxide): The central carbon atom forms 22 σ\sigma bonds (double bonds) with oxygen atoms and has 00 lone pairs. The steric number is 22, giving it a linear shape.

Therefore, NO3\text{NO}_3^- is the species with a triangular planar shape.

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