Multiple Choice
What is the electron geometry of ClF_3?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Electron Geometry
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What is the electron geometry of H_2O?
A
Linear
B
Trigonal planar
C
Tetrahedral
D
Bent
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule H\_2O, which is oxygen (O).
Determine the number of electron groups around the central atom. Oxygen has two bonded hydrogen atoms and two lone pairs, making a total of four electron groups.
Recall that the electron geometry is based on the arrangement of all electron groups (bonding and lone pairs) around the central atom to minimize repulsion.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory, which states that four electron groups arrange themselves in a tetrahedral geometry to minimize repulsion.
Conclude that the electron geometry of H\_2O is tetrahedral, even though the molecular shape (considering only atoms) is bent due to the lone pairs.
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