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Multiple Choice
Which of the following describes the geometry of a carbon atom with regions of electron density and no lone pairs?
A
Linear
B
Trigonal planar
C
Tetrahedral
D
Bent
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the number of regions of electron density around the carbon atom. In this case, there are 3 regions of electron density.
Recall that the electron geometry depends on the number of electron regions, including bonds and lone pairs, around the central atom.
Since there are 3 regions of electron density and no lone pairs, the electron geometry corresponds to a shape where these regions are as far apart as possible in a plane.
The arrangement that places 3 electron regions 120° apart in a plane is called trigonal planar geometry.
Therefore, the geometry of a carbon atom with 3 regions of electron density and no lone pairs is trigonal planar.