Multiple Choice
Which molecular geometry best describes the shape of a hydrogen fluoride (HF) molecule?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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What is the molecular geometry of NH_4^+?
A
Square planar
B
Bent
C
Tetrahedral
D
Trigonal pyramidal
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule, which is nitrogen (N) in NH_4^+.
Determine the number of valence electrons for the central atom and the total number of electrons around it. Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, and each hydrogen contributes 1 electron, but since the molecule has a +1 charge, subtract one electron from the total count.
Use the Lewis structure to arrange the atoms and electrons. In NH_4^+, nitrogen forms four single bonds with four hydrogen atoms, and there are no lone pairs on nitrogen.
Apply the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory, which states that electron pairs around the central atom will arrange themselves to minimize repulsion. With four bonding pairs and no lone pairs, the geometry is tetrahedral.
Conclude that the molecular geometry of NH_4^+ is tetrahedral, as this arrangement allows the four hydrogen atoms to be as far apart as possible around the nitrogen atom.
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