Multiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of a water (H_2O) molecule?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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According to VSEPR theory, what is the predicted molecular geometry for CCl_4?
A
Tetrahedral
B
Square planar
C
Trigonal pyramidal
D
Trigonal planar
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule, which is carbon (C) in CCl_4.
Determine the number of electron groups around the central atom. Carbon forms four single bonds with chlorine atoms, so there are four bonding pairs and no lone pairs on carbon.
Use VSEPR theory to predict the molecular geometry based on the number of electron groups. Four bonding pairs with no lone pairs correspond to a tetrahedral electron geometry.
Recall that when there are no lone pairs on the central atom, the molecular geometry matches the electron geometry, so the shape is tetrahedral.
Conclude that the predicted molecular geometry for CCl_4 is tetrahedral.
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