Multiple Choice
What is the electron geometry around the central atom in OF_2?
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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
Bent
C
Tetrahedral
D
Trigonal planar
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. In H\_2O, oxygen has two bonded hydrogen atoms and two lone pairs of electrons, making a total of four electron groups.
Recall that electron geometry considers all electron groups (bonding and lone pairs) around the central atom, not just the bonded atoms.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the electron geometry. Four electron groups around a central atom arrange themselves in a way to minimize repulsion, which corresponds to a tetrahedral electron geometry.
Note that while the electron geometry is tetrahedral, the molecular shape (based on atoms only) is bent due to the presence of lone pairs.
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