Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the molecular geometry of a fluorine molecule (F_2)?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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According to the VSEPR model, what is the molecular geometry of PCl3?
A
Tetrahedral
B
Trigonal planar
C
Trigonal pyramidal
D
Bent
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule PCl\_3, which is phosphorus (P).
Determine the number of valence electrons around the central atom. Phosphorus has 5 valence electrons, and each chlorine atom contributes 7 valence electrons, but focus on the electrons around phosphorus for geometry.
Count the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs on the central atom. PCl\_3 has three bonding pairs (one for each P–Cl bond) and one lone pair on phosphorus.
Use the VSEPR notation AX\_mE\_n, where A is the central atom, X is the number of bonded atoms, and E is the number of lone pairs. For PCl\_3, this is AX\_3E\_1.
Refer to the VSEPR model to find the molecular geometry for AX\_3E\_1, which is trigonal pyramidal due to the lone pair causing a distortion from a perfect tetrahedral shape.
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