Multiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of H_2S?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
What is the electronic geometry of SF_6?
A
Octahedral
B
Tetrahedral
C
Trigonal bipyramidal
D
Square planar
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom and the number of valence electrons it has. In SF_6, sulfur (S) is the central atom, and it has 6 valence electrons.
Determine the number of atoms bonded to the central atom. SF_6 has 6 fluorine atoms bonded to sulfur.
Count the total regions of electron density around the central atom. Each S-F bond counts as one region, so there are 6 regions of electron density.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the electronic geometry. Six regions of electron density around the central atom arrange themselves to minimize repulsion, which corresponds to an octahedral geometry.
Confirm that there are no lone pairs on the central atom affecting the shape. Since sulfur uses all 6 valence electrons to form bonds with fluorine atoms, there are no lone pairs, so the electronic geometry is the same as the molecular geometry: octahedral.
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