Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the difference between trigonal planar and trigonal pyramidal molecular geometries?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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What does the VSEPR theory help chemists predict about molecules?
A
The rate at which a chemical reaction occurs
B
The solubility of a compound in water
C
The atomic mass of each element in a molecule
D
The three-dimensional shape of a molecule based on electron pair repulsion
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that VSEPR stands for Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory, which is a model used in chemistry.
Recognize that VSEPR theory helps predict the three-dimensional shape of a molecule by considering the repulsions between electron pairs around a central atom.
Know that electron pairs, both bonding and lone pairs, repel each other and arrange themselves as far apart as possible to minimize repulsion.
Use VSEPR theory to determine molecular geometry by counting the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs around the central atom and applying the corresponding shape rules.
Conclude that VSEPR theory does not predict reaction rates, solubility, or atomic masses, but specifically the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule.
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