Multiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of a molecule with 3 single bonds and 1 lone pair around the central atom?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular 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 of XeF_2?
A
Tetrahedral
B
Octahedral
C
Trigonal bipyramidal
D
Linear
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom and the atoms bonded to it. In XeF_2, xenon (Xe) is the central atom bonded to two fluorine (F) atoms.
Determine the total number of valence electrons around the central atom. Xenon has 8 valence electrons, and each fluorine contributes 1 electron for bonding, so total valence electrons = 8 + 2 = 10 electrons (or 5 electron pairs).
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the electron-pair geometry. With 5 electron pairs around the central atom, the electron pairs arrange themselves to minimize repulsion, which corresponds to a trigonal bipyramidal electron-pair geometry.
Distinguish between electron-pair geometry and molecular shape. The electron-pair geometry considers all electron pairs (bonding and lone pairs), while the molecular shape considers only bonded atoms.
Since XeF_2 has 3 lone pairs and 2 bonding pairs, the electron-pair geometry remains trigonal bipyramidal, even though the molecular shape is linear.
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