MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Step-by-step solution

For SO _2, the central sulphur atom has 2 bond pairs and 1 lone pair. The hybridization is sp^2 and the shape is bent. For BCl _3, the central boron atom has 3 bond pairs and 0 lone pairs. The hybridization is sp^2 and the shape is trigonal planar. For CO _2, the central carbon atom has 2 bond pairs (sigma bonds) and 0 lone pairs. The hybridization is sp and the shape is linear. For NH _3, the central nitrogen atom has 3 bond pairs and 1 lone pair. The hybridization is sp^3 and the shape is trigonal pyramidal. Thus, CO _2 is the only linear molecule among the given options. Answer: CO _2