Amongst the following, the linear species is:

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Canvas Classes · Accepted Answer

Linear shape requires sp hybridization with no lone pairs on central atom (or 3 lone pairs in case of ).

Step 1 — Analyse each species:

- : N has 2 bonds + 1 unpaired electron → bent (~134°) ✗
- : O has 2 bonds + 2 lone pairs → bent ✗
- : O has 2 bonds + 1 lone pair → bent (~117°) ✗
-  (azide ion): Central N has 2 double bonds + 1 lone pair... but the overall structure is linear due to sp hybridization of central N with resonance structures giving linear geometry ✓

Step 2:  is linear (bond an

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