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Chapter 10: Problem 3

How many atoms are directly bonded to the central atom in a tetrahedral molecule, a trigonal bipyramidal molecule, and an octahedral molecule?

Short Answer

Expert verified
In a tetrahedral molecule, there are 4 atoms directly bonded to the central atom. In a trigonal bipyramidal molecule, there are 5 atoms directly bonded to the central atom. In an octahedral molecule, there are 6 atoms directly bonded to the central atom.

Step by step solution

01

Tetrahedral Molecule

A tetrahedral molecule has a central atom that is bonded to four other atoms. Thus, for a tetrahedral molecule, there are four atoms directly bonded to the central atom. This is why it's called 'tetra', which means four in Greek.
02

Trigonal Bipyramidal Molecule

A trigonal bipyramidal molecule has a central atom that is bonded to five other atoms. Thus, for a trigonal bipyramidal molecule, there are five atoms directly bonded to the central atom.
03

Octahedral Molecule

An octahedral molecule has a central atom that is bonded to six other atoms. Thus, for an octahedral molecule, there are six atoms directly bonded to the central atom. The term 'octa' comes from Greek and means eight, which might be confusing at first. But in this case, it refers to the fact that there are eight faces to the geometric shape known as an octahedron, not the number of bonds.

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