Multiple Choice
Which VSEPR geometry is most likely for the carbon atom in a transition state where it is bonded to four atoms and has no lone pairs?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
Multiple Choice
In a molecule with a tetrahedral geometry, how many atoms are directly bonded to the central atom?
A
4
B
3
C
5
D
2
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that a tetrahedral molecular geometry is characterized by a central atom surrounded symmetrically by other atoms positioned at the corners of a tetrahedron.
Understand that in a tetrahedral geometry, the central atom forms bonds with atoms located at the four vertices of the tetrahedron.
Recognize that the number of atoms directly bonded to the central atom corresponds to the number of vertices in the tetrahedral shape.
Since a tetrahedron has 4 vertices, the central atom is directly bonded to 4 atoms.
Therefore, the number of atoms directly bonded to the central atom in a tetrahedral molecule is 4.
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