Multiple Choice
Using the VSEPR model, what is the predicted molecular geometry of ammonia (NH_3)?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory
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According to Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory, what is the molecular geometry of the N2 molecule?
A
Trigonal planar
B
Tetrahedral
C
Linear
D
Bent
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the N2 molecule consists of two nitrogen atoms connected by a triple bond, with no lone pairs on either atom.
According to VSEPR theory, the molecular geometry depends on the number of regions of electron density (bonding and lone pairs) around the central atom. In N2, each nitrogen atom is bonded only to one other atom, so there is only one region of electron density around each nitrogen.
With only one bonding region and no lone pairs on each nitrogen, the electron pairs arrange themselves to minimize repulsion, which results in a straight line between the two atoms.
Therefore, the molecular geometry of N2 is linear because the two atoms are arranged in a straight line with a bond angle of 180 degrees.
This matches the VSEPR prediction that molecules with two atoms and no lone pairs on the central atom have a linear geometry.
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