Multiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of PF_3?
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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_2 (acetylene)?
A
Tetrahedral
B
Trigonal planar
C
Linear
D
Bent
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the Lewis structure of C\_2H\_2 (acetylene). It consists of two carbon atoms triple bonded to each other, with each carbon atom also bonded to one hydrogen atom.
Determine the steric number (the number of regions of electron density) around each carbon atom. Each carbon has two regions of electron density: one triple bond to the other carbon and one single bond to hydrogen.
Recall that the molecular geometry depends on the steric number. A steric number of 2 corresponds to a linear geometry because the electron pairs arrange themselves 180° apart to minimize repulsion.
Apply the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to conclude that each carbon atom in C\_2H\_2 has a linear geometry due to the two regions of electron density.
Therefore, the molecular geometry around each carbon atom in acetylene is linear.
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