Multiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of NH_3 (ammonia)?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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What is the molecular geometry around each carbon atom in the molecule C_2H_4 (ethene)?
A
Tetrahedral
B
Trigonal planar
C
Linear
D
Bent
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the Lewis structure of ethene (C\_2H\_4). Each carbon atom is bonded to two hydrogen atoms and one carbon atom with a double bond between the carbons.
Determine the steric number (number of regions of electron density) around each carbon atom. For each carbon, count the sigma bonds and lone pairs. Here, each carbon has three sigma bonds (two C-H bonds and one C-C sigma bond) and no lone pairs.
Use the steric number to predict the electron geometry. A steric number of 3 corresponds to a trigonal planar electron geometry.
Since there are no lone pairs on the carbon atoms, the molecular geometry is the same as the electron geometry, which is trigonal planar.
Conclude that the molecular geometry around each carbon atom in ethene (C\_2H\_4) is trigonal planar.
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