Multiple Choice
The Lewis structure for PO4^{3-} is shown. What is the electron-pair geometry around the central phosphorus atom?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Electron Geometry
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
What is the electron-pair geometry around the sulfur atom in SF_4?
A
Octahedral
B
Trigonal bipyramidal
C
Square planar
D
Tetrahedral
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom and the number of valence electrons it has. Sulfur (S) is the central atom, and it has 6 valence electrons.
Determine the number of fluorine atoms bonded to sulfur. There are 4 fluorine atoms, each forming a single bond with sulfur, contributing 4 bonding pairs.
Calculate the total number of electron pairs around sulfur by adding bonding pairs and lone pairs. Sulfur has 4 bonding pairs and 1 lone pair (since 6 valence electrons minus 4 used in bonds leaves 2 electrons or 1 lone pair).
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the electron-pair geometry. With 5 regions of electron density (4 bonding pairs + 1 lone pair), the electron-pair geometry is trigonal bipyramidal.
Note that the presence of the lone pair affects the molecular shape but not the electron-pair geometry. The electron-pair geometry considers all electron pairs, including lone pairs.
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