Multiple Choice
Which molecular geometry model best represents the diatomic fluorine molecule, F_2?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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Which of the following molecules is most likely to have an angular (bent) molecular geometry?
A
SiCl_4
B
H_2O
C
H_2CO
D
NH_3
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in each molecule and determine the number of electron groups (bonding and lone pairs) around it using the Lewis structure.
Recall that molecular geometry depends on the arrangement of bonding pairs and lone pairs around the central atom according to VSEPR theory (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion).
For each molecule, count the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs on the central atom:
- SiCl_4 has 4 bonding pairs and 0 lone pairs.
- H_2O has 2 bonding pairs and 2 lone pairs.
- H_2CO has 3 bonding pairs and 0 lone pairs.
- NH_3 has 3 bonding pairs and 1 lone pair.
Use the VSEPR shapes associated with these electron pair arrangements:
- 4 bonding pairs, 0 lone pairs → tetrahedral (SiCl_4)
- 2 bonding pairs, 2 lone pairs → bent/angular (H_2O)
- 3 bonding pairs, 0 lone pairs → trigonal planar (H_2CO)
- 3 bonding pairs, 1 lone pair → trigonal pyramidal (NH_3)
Conclude that the molecule with an angular (bent) molecular geometry is the one with 2 bonding pairs and 2 lone pairs on the central atom, which is H_2O.
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