Multiple Choice
What is the electron geometry of PCl5?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Electron Geometry
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What is the electron geometry of methane (CH_4)?
A
Tetrahedral
B
Linear
C
Trigonal planar
D
Bent
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in methane (CH_4), which is carbon (C).
Determine the number of electron groups around the central atom. In methane, carbon forms four single bonds with hydrogen atoms, so there are four bonding electron groups.
Recall that electron geometry considers all electron groups (bonding and lone pairs) around the central atom. Since carbon has no lone pairs in methane, only the four bonding pairs are counted.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the electron geometry. Four electron groups around a central atom arrange themselves to minimize repulsion, which corresponds to a tetrahedral geometry.
Conclude that the electron geometry of methane (CH_4) is tetrahedral.
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