Multiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of PF_5?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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What is the molecular geometry of SO_3?
A
Tetrahedral
B
Bent
C
Trigonal pyramidal
D
Trigonal planar
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule SO_3, which is sulfur (S).
Determine the number of valence electrons for sulfur and oxygen atoms. Sulfur has 6 valence electrons, and each oxygen has 6 valence electrons.
Calculate the total number of valence electrons in SO_3 by adding sulfur's and three oxygens' valence electrons.
Draw the Lewis structure of SO_3, placing sulfur in the center and connecting it to three oxygen atoms with double bonds to satisfy the octet rule for all atoms.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the molecular geometry. Since there are three regions of electron density around sulfur and no lone pairs, the shape is trigonal planar.
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