Multiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of NH_4^+?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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Which of the following best describes the molecular geometry of a boron trifluoride (BF_3) molecule?
A
Trigonal pyramidal
B
Bent
C
Tetrahedral
D
Trigonal planar
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule, which is boron (B) in BF\_3.
Determine the number of valence electrons around the central atom. Boron has 3 valence electrons, and each fluorine atom contributes 1 electron for bonding, totaling 3 bonds.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the molecular geometry by considering the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs around the central atom. Boron in BF\_3 has three bonding pairs and no lone pairs.
According to VSEPR theory, three bonding pairs with no lone pairs around the central atom arrange themselves to minimize repulsion, resulting in a trigonal planar geometry.
Compare the predicted geometry with the given options: trigonal pyramidal, bent, tetrahedral, and trigonal planar. The correct molecular geometry for BF\_3 is trigonal planar.
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