Which molecular geometry model best represents the diatomic fluorine molecule, F_2?

• A. Tetrahedral
• B. Bent
• C. Linear
• D. Trigonal planar

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the number of atoms and the bonding in the molecule. For F_2, there are two fluorine atoms bonded together by a single covalent bond.
2. Recall that molecular geometry models describe the spatial arrangement of atoms around a central atom. In diatomic molecules like F_2, there are only two atoms, so the shape is determined by the line connecting these two atoms.
3. Understand that with only two atoms, there are no bond angles to consider beyond the straight line between them, so the molecule must be linear.
4. Review the given options: Tetrahedral, Bent, Linear, and Trigonal planar. Tetrahedral and trigonal planar require three or more atoms bonded to a central atom, and bent requires at least three atoms with lone pairs affecting the shape.
5. Conclude that the molecular geometry model that best represents F_2 is Linear, because it consists of only two atoms bonded in a straight line.