Multiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of SeH_2?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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What is the molecular geometry of PBr_3?
A
Trigonal pyramidal
B
Trigonal planar
C
Tetrahedral
D
Bent
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule PBr_3, which is phosphorus (P).
Determine the number of valence electrons for phosphorus (5 valence electrons) and for each bromine atom (7 valence electrons each).
Calculate the total number of valence electrons in PBr_3 by adding phosphorus's valence electrons to those of the three bromine atoms.
Draw the Lewis structure of PBr_3, placing phosphorus in the center bonded to three bromine atoms, and then account for lone pairs on phosphorus.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the molecular geometry: with three bonding pairs and one lone pair on phosphorus, the shape is trigonal pyramidal.
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