Question

Explain the following observation – XeF2 has a linear shape and not a bent structure

Answer 1

as XeF2 has sp3d(5) hybridization with 3 lone pair and 2 bond pair with F .and it has 3 equitorial bonds and 2 axial bond.3 lone pair will occupy equitorial position and most electronegative atom F will occupy axial position (to dec repulsion Xe-F bond lengthens)due to this it will experience least repulsions as compared to its other structure where F is present at equitorial position in that case there will b more repulsion where bent structure is observed.
(once read about lp-lp,lp-bp,bp-bp repulsion concept from book that will help you more)