Textbook Question
a. Predict the electron-domain geometry around the central Xe atom in XeF2, XeF4, and XeF6.
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Electron Geometry
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In a molecule of methane (CH_4), how many electron domains are present around the central carbon atom?
A
2
B
3
C
4
D
5
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the methane (CH_4) molecule, which is carbon (C).
Recall that electron domains around an atom include both bonding pairs of electrons and lone pairs of electrons.
Count the number of atoms directly bonded to the central carbon atom. In methane, carbon is bonded to four hydrogen atoms.
Since carbon in methane has no lone pairs, the total number of electron domains is equal to the number of bonding pairs, which is 4.
Conclude that the central carbon atom in methane has 4 electron domains around it.
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