Question

15 multiple choice 3 points which of the following correctly matches each molecule with its predicted geometry according to vsepr the co₂ - trigonal planar; bf₃ - linear; h₂o - tetrahedral - bent; bf₃ - tetrahedral; h₂o - linear - linear; bf₃ - trigonal planar; h₂o - bent co₂ - linear; bf₃ - trigonal pyramidal; h₂o - trigonal planar clear my selection

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the geometry of CO₂

For \(CO_2\), the central atom \(C\) has \(2\) bonding pairs and \(0\) lone pairs. According to VSEPR theory, the molecular geometry is linear. The formula for the electron - pair geometry and molecular geometry when \(n = 2\) (number of electron - groups around the central atom) is linear (\(AX_2\) type, where \(A\) is the central atom and \(X\) is the surrounding atom).

Step2: Determine the geometry of BF₃

For \(BF_3\), the central atom \(B\) has \(3\) bonding pairs and \(0\) lone pairs. Using VSEPR theory (\(AX_3\) type), the electron - pair geometry and molecular geometry is trigonal planar. The bond angles are \(120^{\circ}\)

Step3: Determine the geometry of H₂O

For \(H_2O\), the central atom \(O\) has \(2\) bonding pairs and \(2\) lone pairs. According to VSEPR theory (\(AX_2E_2\) type, where \(E\) represents a lone pair), the molecular geometry is bent. The electron - pair geometry is tetrahedral, but the molecular geometry (based on the position of atoms) is bent due to the repulsion from the lone pairs.

Answer:

CO₂ - linear; BF₃ - trigonal planar; H₂O - bent