Multiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of SO_3?
23
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
Which of the following best describes the molecular geometry of H_2S?
A
Linear
B
Trigonal planar
C
Bent
D
Tetrahedral
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in H_2S, which is sulfur (S), and note that it is bonded to two hydrogen atoms.
Determine the number of valence electrons around the sulfur atom: sulfur has 6 valence electrons, and each hydrogen contributes 1 electron, for a total of 8 electrons to consider.
Draw the Lewis structure of H_2S, showing two single bonds between sulfur and hydrogen atoms, and place the remaining electrons as lone pairs on sulfur.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the molecular geometry: sulfur has two bonding pairs and two lone pairs of electrons, which repel each other and influence the shape.
Conclude that the molecular geometry is bent (or angular) because the two lone pairs push the bonded hydrogen atoms closer together, resulting in a bent shape rather than linear or tetrahedral.
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