Multiple Choice
In Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory, what is the key difference between electron geometry and molecular geometry around a central atom?
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10. Chemical Bonding
Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory (Simplified)
Multiple Choice
Using simplified VSEPR theory, how many electron domains are around the central oxygen atom in ?
A
5 electron domains
B
4 electron domains
C
3 electron domains
D
2 electron domains
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule H\_2O, which is oxygen (O).
Determine the number of bonding pairs of electrons around the oxygen atom. Since oxygen is bonded to two hydrogen atoms, there are 2 bonding pairs.
Determine the number of lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom. Oxygen has 6 valence electrons, and after forming 2 bonds, 4 electrons remain as lone pairs, which corresponds to 2 lone pairs.
Add the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs to find the total number of electron domains around the central atom: total electron domains = bonding pairs + lone pairs.
Use the total number of electron domains to predict the molecular geometry and understand the shape of the molecule according to VSEPR theory.
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