Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the molecular geometry of carbon dioxide (CO_2)?
69
views
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
Multiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of XeF_4?
A
Tetrahedral
B
Square planar
C
Octahedral
D
Trigonal bipyramidal
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom and the number of valence electrons it has. Xenon (Xe) is the central atom, and it has 8 valence electrons.
Count the total number of electrons contributed by the fluorine atoms. Each fluorine atom contributes 1 electron for bonding, and there are 4 fluorine atoms, so 4 electrons are contributed.
Calculate the total number of electrons around the central atom by adding the valence electrons of Xe and the bonding electrons from fluorine atoms: \$8 + 4 = 12$ electrons, or 6 electron pairs.
Determine the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs on the central atom. Since there are 4 bonds to fluorine atoms, there are 4 bonding pairs and the remaining 2 pairs are lone pairs on xenon.
Use the VSEPR theory to predict the molecular geometry. With 6 electron pairs (4 bonding and 2 lone pairs), the electron geometry is octahedral, but the molecular geometry (considering only atoms) is square planar because the two lone pairs occupy positions opposite each other, minimizing repulsion.
Related Videos
Related Practice
