Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the molecular geometry of a CO_2 molecule?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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Which of the following best describes the molecular geometry of CF_4?
A
Trigonal planar
B
Square planar
C
Tetrahedral
D
Trigonal pyramidal
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule CF_4, which is carbon (C).
Determine the number of valence electrons around the central atom. Carbon has 4 valence electrons, and each fluorine atom contributes 1 electron for bonding, making a total of 4 bonds.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the molecular geometry. Since there are 4 bonding pairs and no lone pairs on the central atom, the electron pairs will arrange themselves to minimize repulsion.
Recall that 4 bonding pairs with no lone pairs around the central atom arrange in a tetrahedral geometry to maximize the distance between electron pairs.
Conclude that the molecular geometry of CF_4 is tetrahedral, as this arrangement best fits the bonding and electron pair distribution.
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