Among the following, the linear molecule is

Options

A. `CO_(2)`
B. `NO_(2)`
C. `SO_(2)`
D. `ClO_(2)`

Explanation

To determine which of the given molecules is linear, we will analyze the molecular shapes based on their Lewis structures and the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Molecules**: The question provides a list of molecules. We need to evaluate the molecular geometry of each one to determine which is linear.

2. **Analyze CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)**:
- **Lewis Structure**: Carbon (C) has 4 valence electrons, and each Oxygen (O) has 6 valence electrons. The total is 16 valence electrons. The structure can be represented as O=C=O.
- **Shape**: The molecule has two double bonds and no lone pairs on the central atom (C). According to VSEPR theory, this results in a linear shape with a bond angle of 180°.
- **Conclusion**: CO2 is a linear molecule.

3. **Analyze NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide)**:
- **Lewis Structure**: Nitrogen (N) has 5 valence electrons, and each Oxygen has 6 valence electrons. The total is 17 valence electrons. The structure can be represented as O=N-O with one lone electron on N.
- **Shape**: The presence of a lone pair on nitrogen leads to a bent shape.
- **Conclusion**: NO2 is not linear.

4. **Analyze SO2 (Sulfur Dioxide)**:
- **Lewis Structure**: Sulfur (S) has 6 valence electrons, and each Oxygen has 6 valence electrons. The total is 18 valence electrons. The structure can be represented as O=S-O with one lone pair on S.
- **Shape**: The lone pair on sulfur also results in a bent shape.
- **Conclusion**: SO2 is not linear.

5. **Analyze ClO2 (Chlorine Dioxide)**:
- **Lewis Structure**: Chlorine (Cl) has 7 valence electrons, and each Oxygen has 6 valence electrons. The total is 19 valence electrons. The structure can be represented as O=Cl-O with one lone pair on Cl.
- **Shape**: The lone pair on chlorine results in a bent shape.
- **Conclusion**: ClO2 is not linear.

6. **Final Conclusion**: After analyzing all the molecules, we find that only CO2 has a linear shape. Therefore, the answer to the question is **Option A: CO2**.