Multiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of PH3?
22
views
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of NH_3?
A
Trigonal pyramidal
B
Tetrahedral
C
Bent
D
Trigonal planar
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in NH_3, which is nitrogen (N).
Determine the number of valence electrons around the nitrogen atom. Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, and each hydrogen contributes 1 electron, for a total of 8 electrons (or 4 electron pairs) around nitrogen.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the shape. The 4 electron pairs around nitrogen consist of 3 bonding pairs (with hydrogen atoms) and 1 lone pair.
According to VSEPR, the electron pairs arrange themselves to minimize repulsion, forming a tetrahedral electron pair geometry.
Since one of the electron pairs is a lone pair, the molecular geometry (shape considering only atoms) is trigonal pyramidal.
1:33mWatch next
Master Molecular Geometry with Two Electron Groups with a bite sized video explanation from Jules
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Molecular Geometry practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations