Multiple Choice
For the molecule ethene (C2H4), what is the electron geometry around each carbon atom?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Electron Geometry
Multiple Choice
What is the electron geometry around the phosphorus atom in phosphorus pentachloride (PCl_5)?
A
Trigonal bipyramidal
B
Square pyramidal
C
Octahedral
D
Tetrahedral
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in phosphorus pentachloride (PCl_5), which is phosphorus (P).
Determine the number of valence electrons on the phosphorus atom. Phosphorus is in group 15, so it has 5 valence electrons.
Count the number of bonded atoms attached to phosphorus. In PCl_5, phosphorus is bonded to 5 chlorine atoms.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the electron geometry. Since there are 5 bonding pairs and no lone pairs on phosphorus, the electron pairs will arrange themselves to minimize repulsion.
Recall that 5 electron pairs around a central atom arrange in a trigonal bipyramidal geometry according to VSEPR theory.
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