Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct molecular shape of CH_4?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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What is the molecular geometry of boron trihydride (BH_3)?
A
Trigonal pyramidal
B
Tetrahedral
C
Bent
D
Trigonal planar
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule, which is boron (B) in BH\_3.
Determine the number of valence electrons for boron (3 valence electrons) and for each hydrogen (1 valence electron each).
Calculate the total number of valence electrons available for bonding: 3 (from B) + 3 \times 1 (from H) = 6 electrons.
Draw the Lewis structure showing boron bonded to three hydrogen atoms with single bonds, and note that there are no lone pairs on the boron atom.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory: with three bonding pairs and no lone pairs around boron, the molecular geometry is trigonal planar.
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