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Multiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of a molecule with four outer atoms and two lone pairs on the central atom?
A
Tetrahedral
B
Octahedral
C
Trigonal bipyramidal
D
Square planar
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검증된 단계별 안내
1
Identify the central atom and count the total number of electron pairs (bonding and lone pairs) around it. In this case, there are four bonding pairs (from the four outer atoms) and two lone pairs.
Determine the electron pair geometry by considering both bonding pairs and lone pairs. With six electron pairs, the electron pair geometry is octahedral.
Consider the effect of the lone pairs on the molecular geometry. Lone pairs occupy more space than bonding pairs, which can alter the shape.
Remove the influence of the lone pairs to determine the molecular geometry. With two lone pairs, the remaining four bonding pairs form a square planar shape.
Conclude that the molecular geometry of a molecule with four outer atoms and two lone pairs on the central atom is square planar.