Textbook Question
Consider the molecule PF4Cl. (a) Draw a Lewis structure for the molecule, and predict its electron-domain geometry.
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Electron Geometry
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What is the electron geometry of H_2O?
A
Tetrahedral
B
Trigonal planar
C
Linear
D
Bent
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule H\_2O, which is oxygen (O).
Determine the number of electron groups around the central atom. Oxygen has two bonded hydrogen atoms and two lone pairs of electrons, making a total of four electron groups.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the electron geometry. According to VSEPR, four electron groups around a central atom arrange themselves in a tetrahedral geometry to minimize repulsion.
Recognize that the electron geometry considers all electron groups (bonding and lone pairs), so despite the bent shape of the molecule, the electron geometry remains tetrahedral.
Conclude that the electron geometry of H\_2O is tetrahedral, while the molecular shape (considering only atoms) is bent.
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