Comment on the nature of two S–O bonds formed in `SO_(2)` molecule. Are the two S–O bonds in this molecule equal ?

Explanation

`S` in `SO_2` molecule is `sp^2` hydridised with 1 line pair of electron.

Two of the three `sp^2` orbitals form two `sigma`-bonds with O-atoms and third contains the lone pairs of electrons. After this, there is one unpaired electron in 3p and 3d orbitals, which form one `ppi-ppi` and one `ppi-dpi` bond with O- atoms. Thus `SO_2` has a bent structure. Due to resonance, the two `S=O` have equal bond length.