Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the electron geometry of PF3?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Electron Geometry
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What is the electron geometry of PCl5?
A
Trigonal bipyramidal
B
Octahedral
C
Square pyramidal
D
Tetrahedral
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule, which is phosphorus (P) in PCl5.
Determine the number of valence electrons for the central atom. Phosphorus has 5 valence electrons.
Count the number of atoms bonded to the central atom. In PCl5, there are 5 chlorine atoms bonded to phosphorus.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the electron geometry. Since there are 5 bonding pairs and no lone pairs on phosphorus, the electron pairs will arrange themselves to minimize repulsion.
Recognize that 5 bonding pairs around the central atom correspond to a trigonal bipyramidal electron geometry.
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