What is the bond angle associated with a linear molecular geometry?

In a linear molecular geometry, the bond angle is 180 degrees. This means that the atoms are arranged in a straight line, allowing the greatest distance between them, which minimizes repulsion between electron pairs according to VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory. In this geometry, there are typically two bonded atoms and no lone pairs affecting the bond angles, resulting in a straightforward, linear configuration.

This arrangement is characteristic of linear molecules such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or acetylene (C2H2), where the central atom is surrounded by two other atoms in a linear fashion. The lack of lone pairs and the occupancy of only two bonding pairs lead to a bond angle of exactly 180 degrees, maintaining the stability of the linear structure.