Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the molecular geometry of H2S?
34
views
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of SeH_2?
A
Trigonal planar
B
Tetrahedral
C
Bent
D
Linear
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule, which is selenium (Se) in SeH_2.
Determine the number of valence electrons for selenium and hydrogen. Selenium has 6 valence electrons, and each hydrogen has 1 valence electron.
Draw the Lewis structure of SeH_2 by placing selenium in the center, bonding it to two hydrogen atoms, and then distributing the remaining electrons to satisfy the octet rule for selenium.
Count the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs around the central atom. Selenium will have two bonding pairs (from the two Se-H bonds) and two lone pairs of electrons.
Use the VSEPR theory to predict the molecular geometry. With two bonding pairs and two lone pairs, the shape is bent (or angular), not linear or tetrahedral.
1:33mWatch next
Master Molecular Geometry with Two Electron Groups with a bite sized video explanation from Jules
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Molecular Geometry practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations