Multiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of a CCl_4 molecule?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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What is the molecular geometry of PH_3?
A
Tetrahedral
B
Trigonal planar
C
Trigonal pyramidal
D
Bent
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom and the atoms bonded to it. In PH_3, phosphorus (P) is the central atom bonded to three hydrogen (H) atoms.
Determine the number of valence electrons on the central atom. Phosphorus has 5 valence electrons.
Count the total number of electron pairs around the central atom, including bonding pairs and lone pairs. PH_3 has three bonding pairs (from the three P-H bonds) and one lone pair on phosphorus.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the shape. Four electron pairs (3 bonding + 1 lone) arrange themselves in a tetrahedral electron geometry to minimize repulsion.
Determine the molecular geometry by considering only the positions of atoms (ignoring lone pairs). With one lone pair and three bonded atoms, the molecular geometry is trigonal pyramidal.
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