Multiple Choice
What are the electron geometry, molecular geometry, and hybridization for NH3?
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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What is the molecular geometry of a molecule with 5 outer atoms and 1 lone pair on the central atom?
A
Square pyramidal
B
Octahedral
C
Trigonal bipyramidal
D
T-shaped
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the total number of electron groups around the central atom. In this case, there are 5 outer atoms and 1 lone pair, making a total of 6 electron groups.
Determine the electron geometry based on the number of electron groups. With 6 electron groups, the electron geometry is octahedral.
Consider the effect of the lone pair on the molecular geometry. Lone pairs occupy more space than bonding pairs, which can alter the shape.
Remove one of the positions occupied by a bonding pair in the octahedral geometry to account for the lone pair. This results in a square pyramidal shape.
Verify the molecular geometry by visualizing the arrangement: 4 atoms form a square base, and 1 atom is at the apex, with the lone pair occupying one of the positions in the octahedral arrangement.
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