Discuss the shape of `CO_(2)` molecule on the basis of hybridisation.

Explanation

In carbon dioxide (O=C=O) molecule, the carbon atom is sp hybridised as in ethyne. Each of the two hybridised orbitals of the carbon atom overlaps axially with one of the half filled orbitals of the oxygen atoms `(1s^(2)2s^(2)2p_(x)^(2)2p_(y)^(1)2p_(z)^(1))` forming two `sigma`-bonds. The two unhybridised p-orbitals of the carbon atom are involved in the sidewise oberlap with the other half filled orbitals of the oxygen sidewise overlap with the other half filled orbitals of the oxygen atoms. The orbital picture of the molecule is shown in the figure.