Multiple Choice
Which molecular geometry is most commonly maintained by liquid water molecules due to hydrogen bonding?
74
views
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
Multiple Choice
Which of the following correctly matches a compound with its molecular geometry?
A
CO2 — linear
B
BF3 — bent
C
NH3 — tetrahedral
D
CH4 — trigonal planar
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the concept of molecular geometry, which describes the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule based on the positions of bonded atoms and lone pairs around the central atom.
Step 2: Recall the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory, which predicts molecular shapes by minimizing repulsions between electron pairs (bonding and lone pairs) around the central atom.
Step 3: Analyze each compound's central atom and its bonding/lone pairs to determine the correct geometry:
- For CO\_2, the central carbon has two double bonds and no lone pairs, leading to a linear shape.
- For BF\_3, the central boron has three bonding pairs and no lone pairs, resulting in a trigonal planar shape.
- For NH\_3, the central nitrogen has three bonding pairs and one lone pair, giving a trigonal pyramidal shape.
- For CH\_4, the central carbon has four bonding pairs and no lone pairs, resulting in a tetrahedral shape.
Step 4: Compare the given options with the correct geometries:
- CO\_2 is linear (correct).
- BF\_3 is trigonal planar, not bent.
- NH\_3 is trigonal pyramidal, not tetrahedral.
- CH\_4 is tetrahedral, not trigonal planar.
Step 5: Conclude that the only correct match from the list is CO\_2 — linear, and the other options are mismatched based on their molecular geometries.
Related Videos
Related Practice
