Multiple Choice
What is the electron geometry of carbon dioxide (CO_2)?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Electron Geometry
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
What is the electron pair geometry for PCl_5?
A
Tetrahedral
B
Octahedral
C
Trigonal bipyramidal
D
Square pyramidal
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule, which is phosphorus (P) in PCl_5.
Determine the number of valence electrons on the central atom. Phosphorus has 5 valence electrons.
Count the number of bonded atoms around the central atom. In PCl_5, phosphorus is bonded to 5 chlorine atoms.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the electron pair geometry. Since there are 5 bonding pairs and no lone pairs on phosphorus, the electron pairs arrange themselves to minimize repulsion.
Recognize that 5 electron pairs around a central atom arrange in a trigonal bipyramidal geometry, with three atoms in an equatorial plane and two atoms in axial positions.
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