Multiple Choice
The molecular geometry of the PF3 molecule is ________, and this molecule is ________.
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
Multiple Choice
How many electron domains are present around the central oxygen atom in a molecule of H2O?
A
3
B
4
C
2
D
5
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule H\_2O, which is oxygen (O).
Determine the number of atoms bonded to the central oxygen atom. In H\_2O, oxygen is bonded to two hydrogen atoms, so there are 2 bonding domains.
Count the number of lone pairs (nonbonding electron pairs) on the central oxygen atom. Oxygen has 6 valence electrons; 2 are used in bonding with hydrogen atoms, leaving 4 electrons or 2 lone pairs.
Add the number of bonding domains and lone pairs to find the total electron domains around oxygen: 2 (bonding) + 2 (lone pairs) = 4 electron domains.
Conclude that the total number of electron domains around the central oxygen atom in H\_2O is 4.
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