Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the main idea of VSEPR theory?

Accepted Answer

A molecule adopts the shape that minimizes repulsion between electron pairs.

Question 2

What is the molecular geometry and bond angle of $\mathrm{CO_2}$ according to VSEPR theory?

Accepted Answer

Linear, $180^\circ$

Question 3

A molecule of $\mathrm{BF_3}$ has three charge clouds around the central atom. What is its molecular geometry and bond angle?

Accepted Answer

Trigonal planar, $120^\circ$

Question 4

Which of the following molecules has a tetrahedral molecular geometry?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{CH_4}$

Question 5

What is the difference between parent geometry and molecular geometry in VSEPR theory?

Accepted Answer

Parent geometry considers all electron domains, while molecular geometry considers only the positions of the atoms.

Question 6

Water ($\mathrm{H_2O}$) has four electron domains around the central atom. What are its parent and molecular geometries, and what is the bond angle?

Accepted Answer

Parent: Tetrahedral, Molecular: Bent, $104.5^\circ$

Question 7

Which molecule is polar due to its molecular geometry, despite having polar bonds?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{H_2O}$

Question 8

What is the molecular geometry of $\mathrm{NH_3}$ and its approximate bond angle?

Accepted Answer

Trigonal pyramidal, $107.5^\circ$

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why $\mathrm{CH_4}$ is nonpolar while $\mathrm{CH_3F}$ is polar?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{CH_4}$ has polar bonds that cancel out due to its tetrahedral symmetry, while $\mathrm{CH_3F}$ has a polar bond that does not cancel.

Question 10

A molecule has five charge clouds and one lone pair around the central atom. What is its molecular geometry and where is the lone pair most likely located?

Accepted Answer

See-saw; lone pair in the equatorial position

Question 11

Which of the following molecules has a square planar molecular geometry?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{XeF_4}$

Question 12

What is the molecular geometry and bond angles of $\mathrm{SF_6}$?

Accepted Answer

Octahedral, $90^\circ$

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the polarity of $\mathrm{CO_2}$?

Accepted Answer

Nonpolar due to its linear geometry, even though the bonds are polar.

Question 14

A molecule has six charge clouds and two lone pairs around the central atom. What is its molecular geometry?

Accepted Answer

Square planar

Question 15

Which of the following molecules is T-shaped according to VSEPR theory?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{ClF_3}$

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the dipole moment of a molecule?

Accepted Answer

A measure of how polar a molecule is

Question 17

Which of the following statements is true about ammonia ($\mathrm{NH_3}$)?

Accepted Answer

It is polar and the nitrogen end is negative.

Question 18

Which of the following molecules is polar due to the arrangement of its atoms, even though all the bonds are identical?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{H_2O}$

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why cis-difluoroethene is polar while trans-difluoroethene is nonpolar?

Accepted Answer

The geometry of the cis isomer causes the dipoles to add, while in the trans isomer they cancel.

Question 20

Which of the following molecules has a trigonal bipyramidal parent geometry but a linear molecular geometry?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{XeF_2}$

Molecular Geometry and VSEPR Theory: Shapes and Polarity of Molecules

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