Multiple Choice
What is the overall molecular geometry of propene (C3H6)? Is it primarily two-dimensional or three-dimensional?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of a water (H_2O) molecule?
A
Bent
B
Linear
C
Trigonal planar
D
Tetrahedral
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the water molecule, which is oxygen (O).
Determine the number of valence electrons around the oxygen atom. Oxygen has 6 valence electrons, and each hydrogen contributes 1 electron, for a total of 8 electrons to consider.
Draw the Lewis structure of H\_2O, showing oxygen bonded to two hydrogen atoms and including lone pairs on oxygen. Oxygen has two bonding pairs and two lone pairs of electrons.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the molecular geometry. According to VSEPR, electron pairs (bonding and lone pairs) repel each other and arrange themselves to minimize repulsion.
Since there are two bonding pairs and two lone pairs on oxygen, the electron pair geometry is tetrahedral, but the molecular shape (considering only atoms) is bent due to the lone pairs pushing the hydrogen atoms closer together.
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