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Chapter 18: Problem 6

Describe (with a word or short phrase) the shape of each of these molecules: \(\mathrm{CH}_{4}\); \(\mathrm{NH}_{3} ; \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} .\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
The shape of the CH4 molecule is 'tetrahedral', NH3 is 'trigonal pyramidal', and H2O is 'bent' or 'V-shaped'.

Step by step solution

01

Determine the geometry of CH4

Looking at the molecule of CH4, it has one central Carbon atom, and four Hydrogen atoms surrounding it. According to the VSEPR theory, the repulsion between the electron pairs will push them as far apart as possible creating a 3D shape. The shape of the CH4 molecule is referred to as tetrahedral.
02

Determine the geometry of NH3

The molecule NH3 has one central Nitrogen atom, and three Hydrogen atoms surrounding it. Along with these three Hydrogen atoms, there is also a lone pair of electrons on the Nitrogen atom. The presence of this lone pair pushes the Hydrogen atoms closer together, making the shape of the NH3 molecule 'trigonal pyramidal'.
03

Determine the geometry of H2O

In the H2O molecule, we have one central Oxygen atom with two Hydrogen atoms and two lone pairs of Electrons around it. These electron pairs try to get as far away from each other as possible, resulting in a 'bent' or 'V-shaped' molecule.
04

Summary of Molecular Shapes

To summarize, the molecule CH4 forms a 'tetrahedral' shape, NH3 forms a 'trigonal pyramidal' shape, and H2O forms a 'bent' shape. These shapes are determined by the repulsions between the electron pairs according to the VSEPR theory.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Sketch a picture of the following molecules based on your models: \(\mathrm{CH}_{4} ; \mathrm{NH}_{3}\); \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} .\)

Using grammatically correct English sentences, explain how the shape of a molecule can be predicted from its Lewis structure.
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