Multiple Choice
What is the electron-pair geometry for NH3?
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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
Tetrahedral
B
Linear
C
Trigonal planar
D
Bent
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. Oxygen has two bonded hydrogen atoms and two lone pairs of electrons, making a total of four electron groups.
Recall that the electron geometry is based on the arrangement of all electron groups (bonding and lone pairs) around the central atom to minimize repulsion, according to VSEPR theory.
Recognize that four electron groups around a central atom correspond to a tetrahedral electron geometry.
Note that while the molecular shape (considering only atoms) is bent due to lone pairs, the electron geometry (considering all electron groups) remains tetrahedral.
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