Question

question 20 (1 point)
a molecule exhibits the trigonal planar shape. how many electron domains exist in the valence shell for the central atom in this molecule?
two
three
four
five
more information is required to answer this question
you can use this periodic table during the quiz. however, as stated in the course outline, and in the orientation session, this quiz is not open book. you cannot access course material while you write the quiz. nor can you google your answers, work as a group, use a cheat sheet, etc.

Explanation:

According to VSEPR (Valence - Shell Electron - Pair Repulsion) theory, when a molecule has a trigonal planar shape, the central atom has 3 electron domains. Electron domains include bonding pairs and lone pairs. In the case of trigonal planar geometry (e.g., \(BF_3\) where \(B\) has 3 bonding pairs and no lone pairs), the number of electron domains around the central atom is 3.

Answer:

Three