Multiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of PCl_3?
11
views
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of PF_5?
A
Octahedral
B
Square pyramidal
C
Trigonal bipyramidal
D
Tetrahedral
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule PF_5, which is phosphorus (P).
Determine the number of valence electrons for phosphorus (5 valence electrons) and fluorine (7 valence electrons each).
Calculate the total number of bonding pairs by noting that PF_5 has five fluorine atoms bonded to phosphorus, so there are 5 bonding pairs and no lone pairs on the central atom.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the molecular geometry. Since there are 5 bonding pairs and 0 lone pairs around phosphorus, the electron pairs arrange themselves to minimize repulsion.
Recognize that the arrangement of 5 bonding pairs around a central atom corresponds to a trigonal bipyramidal geometry, with three atoms in an equatorial plane and two atoms in axial positions.
1:33mWatch next
Master Molecular Geometry with Two Electron Groups with a bite sized video explanation from Jules
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Molecular Geometry practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations