Multiple Choice
What is the electron geometry of the nitrite ion (NO_2^-)?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Electron Geometry
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What is the electron geometry around the central atom in H2S?
A
Trigonal planar
B
Tetrahedral
C
Bent
D
Linear
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in H\_2S, which is sulfur (S).
Determine the number of valence electrons on the central atom (sulfur has 6 valence electrons).
Count the number of atoms bonded to sulfur (2 hydrogen atoms) and the number of lone pairs on sulfur (since sulfur has 6 valence electrons and forms 2 bonds, it has 2 lone pairs).
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the electron geometry by considering both bonding pairs and lone pairs around the central atom. The total regions of electron density around sulfur are 4 (2 bonding pairs + 2 lone pairs).
Recognize that 4 regions of electron density correspond to a tetrahedral electron geometry, even though the molecular shape (considering only atoms) is bent.
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