The As ¬ As bond length in elemental arsenic is 2.48 Å. The Cl ¬ Cl bond length in Cl2 is 1.99 Å. (b) What bond length is predicted for AsCl₃, using the atomic radii in Figure 7.7?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the atomic radii of arsenic (As) and chlorine (Cl) from Figure 7.7.
2. Recall that the bond length in a molecule is approximately the sum of the atomic radii of the two bonded atoms.
3. Add the atomic radius of arsenic to the atomic radius of chlorine to estimate the As-Cl bond length.
4. Express the bond length in appropriate units, typically in Ångströms (Å).
5. Verify the calculated bond length with known data or literature values, if available, to ensure accuracy.

Key Concepts

Bond Length

Bond length is the distance between the nuclei of two bonded atoms. It is influenced by the size of the atoms involved and the type of bond (single, double, etc.). Understanding bond lengths helps predict molecular geometry and reactivity, as shorter bonds typically indicate stronger interactions.

Atomic Radii

Atomic radii refer to the size of an atom, typically measured from the nucleus to the outermost electron shell. These values vary across the periodic table and are crucial for estimating bond lengths in compounds. The effective atomic radius can change depending on the bonding environment and the type of atoms involved.

Molecular Geometry

Molecular geometry describes the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within a molecule. It is determined by the number of bonds and lone pairs around the central atom, influencing properties like polarity and reactivity. Understanding molecular geometry is essential for predicting bond lengths and angles in compounds like AsCl3.