Multiple Choice
Which of the following species is not planar?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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Which of the following best describes the molecular geometry around the central atom in a molecule of NH3?
A
Trigonal planar
B
Trigonal pyramidal
C
Bent
D
Tetrahedral
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in NH3, which is nitrogen (N).
Determine the number of electron groups around the nitrogen atom. Nitrogen has three bonded hydrogen atoms and one lone pair, making a total of four electron groups.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the electron geometry. Four electron groups correspond to a tetrahedral electron geometry.
Consider the effect of the lone pair on the molecular shape. Lone pairs occupy space and repel bonded atoms, causing the shape to adjust from the ideal tetrahedral.
Conclude that the molecular geometry, which describes the arrangement of atoms (not lone pairs), is trigonal pyramidal due to the presence of one lone pair and three bonded atoms.
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