Chapter 6: Problem 41

According to VSEPR theory, what molecular shapes are associated with the following types of molecules? a. \(\mathrm{AB}\) b. \(\mathrm{AB}_{2}\) c. \(\mathrm{AB}_{3}\) d. \(\mathrm{AB}_{4}\)

Short Answer

Expert verified

The molecular shapes for \(\mathrm{AB}\) and \(\mathrm{AB}_{2}\) are linear, for \(\mathrm{AB}_{3}\) is trigonal planar, and for \(\mathrm{AB}_{4}\) is tetrahedral.

Step by step solution

Understand the VSEPR theory

The VSEPR theory says that the shape of a molecule is primarily determined by the repulsion between the electron pairs in the valence shell of the central atom. We can classify each molecule based on how many bonding and non-bonding electron pairs are present. 'A' in \(\mathrm{AB}_{n}\) typically represents the central atom and 'B' represents the atoms (or groups of atoms) attached to A.

Apply the VSEPR theory to \(\mathrm{AB}\)

In the molecule \(\mathrm{AB}\), there is one atom 'A' bonded to one atom 'B'. There are no other electron pairs around 'A'. Therefore, the shape of \(\mathrm{AB}\) is linear.

Apply the VSEPR theory to \(\mathrm{AB}_{2}\)

\(\mathrm{AB}_{2}\) contains a central atom 'A' bonded to two 'B' atoms. The shape of such a molecule is also linear.

Apply the VSEPR theory to \(\mathrm{AB}_{3}\)

\(\mathrm{AB}_{3}\) consists of one atom 'A' bonded to three 'B' atoms. There are no lone pairs of electrons around 'A'. Such a molecule takes the shape of a trigonal planar.

Apply the VSEPR theory to \(\mathrm{AB}_{4}\)

\(\mathrm{AB}_{4}\) consists of a central atom 'A' bonded to four 'B' atoms. With no lone pairs of electrons, this forms a tetrahedral shape.

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According to VSEPR theory, what molecular shapes are associated with the following types of molecules? a. \(\mathrm{AB}\) b. \(\mathrm{AB}_{2}\) c. \(\mathrm{AB}_{3}\) d. \(\mathrm{AB}_{4}\)

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the VSEPR theory

Apply the VSEPR theory to \(\mathrm{AB}\)

Apply the VSEPR theory to \(\mathrm{AB}_{2}\)

Apply the VSEPR theory to \(\mathrm{AB}_{3}\)

Apply the VSEPR theory to \(\mathrm{AB}_{4}\)

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