Answer
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Step 1: Determine the number of electron groups around the central atom.
In carbon monoxide (CO), the central atom is carbon (C). Carbon has 4 electrons in its outermost shell. Oxygen (O) contributes 6 electrons, making a total of 10 electrons. These electrons are arranged in 4 electron groups: 2 bonding pairs and 2 lone pairs.
Step 2: Identify the electron pair geometry.
For 4 electron groups, the electron pair geometry is tetrahedral. However, the presence of lone pairs distorts the geometry.
Final Answer
The molecular geometry of carbon monoxide (CO) is linear.
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