Question

How do you use the VSEPR theory to predict the molecular shape of `SO_2`?

Answer 1

`SO_2` has a 'bent' structure

Explanation:

So we start by looking at the valence electrons of sulfer which is 6. But if we look at the bonds between sulfer and oxygen in `SO_2` we see:

`O=S=O`

resulting in 4 electrons, thereby leaving two valence electrons in sulfer. Because of this the molecule won't be linear, but be bent (since the lone pairs doesn't count as bonds).