Multiple Choice
What is the electron geometry of ICl_5?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Electron Geometry
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What is the electron domain geometry of the carbon atom in methane (CH_4)?
A
Trigonal planar
B
Tetrahedral
C
Linear
D
Bent
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in methane (CH_4), which is carbon (C).
Determine the number of electron domains around the carbon atom. In methane, carbon forms four single bonds with hydrogen atoms, so there are four bonding electron domains.
Recall that electron domain geometry depends on the number of electron domains (bonding and lone pairs) around the central atom. Since carbon has four bonding domains and no lone pairs, the total is four electron domains.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the geometry. Four electron domains arrange themselves to minimize repulsion, which corresponds to a tetrahedral geometry.
Conclude that the electron domain geometry of the carbon atom in methane is tetrahedral.
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