Multiple Choice
How many electron domains are present around the central oxygen atom in a molecule of H2O?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
Multiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of NBr3 based on its Lewis structure?
A
Tetrahedral
B
Bent
C
Trigonal planar
D
Trigonal pyramidal
Verified step by step guidance1
First, determine the total number of valence electrons for NBr\_3. Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, and each bromine has 7 valence electrons. So, calculate the sum: \(5 + 3 \times 7\).
Next, draw the Lewis structure by placing nitrogen as the central atom and connecting it to three bromine atoms with single bonds. Then, distribute the remaining electrons to satisfy the octet rule for each atom.
Count the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs around the central nitrogen atom. Nitrogen forms three single bonds with bromine atoms and has one lone pair of electrons remaining.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the molecular geometry. With three bonding pairs and one lone pair, the electron pair geometry is tetrahedral, but the molecular shape is determined by the positions of atoms only.
Since the lone pair occupies one position, the molecular geometry of NBr\_3 is trigonal pyramidal, which matches the correct answer.
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