Question

1. what vsepr molecular shape would the following lewis structure exhibit? h -- se -- h

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the steric number

The steric number is calculated as the sum of the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs around the central atom. For \(H_2Se\), the central atom is \(Se\). There are 2 bonding pairs ( \(Se - H\) bonds) and 2 lone pairs on \(Se\). So, the steric number \(= 2 + 2=4\).

Step2: Identify the electron - pair geometry

According to VSEPR theory, when the steric number is 4, the electron - pair geometry is tetrahedral.

Step3: Determine the molecular shape

The molecular shape is determined by the positions of the atoms (ignoring the lone pairs). With 2 bonding pairs and 2 lone pairs, the molecular shape is bent (or V - shaped).

Answer:

Bent (or V - shaped)