Multiple Choice
Which molecular geometry best describes the arrangement of atoms in the PF5 molecule?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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Which of the following molecules has a linear molecular geometry?
A
H2O
B
BF3
C
NH3
D
CO2
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that molecular geometry depends on the arrangement of atoms around the central atom, which is determined by the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs of electrons according to the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory.
Analyze each molecule's central atom and its electron pairs: For example, H2O has two bonding pairs and two lone pairs on oxygen, BF3 has three bonding pairs and no lone pairs on boron, NH3 has three bonding pairs and one lone pair on nitrogen, and CO2 has two bonding pairs and no lone pairs on carbon.
Determine the electron pair geometry and molecular shape for each molecule: H2O is bent due to lone pairs, BF3 is trigonal planar, NH3 is trigonal pyramidal due to one lone pair, and CO2 is linear because it has two bonding pairs and no lone pairs on the central atom.
Conclude that the molecule with a linear molecular geometry is the one with two regions of electron density and no lone pairs on the central atom, which is CO2.
Therefore, the correct answer is CO2 because its molecular geometry is linear, unlike the other molecules listed.
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