Question

what is the molecular geometry of xef4? seesaw tetrahedral square planar square pyramidal submit

Explanation:

• First, find the number of valence electrons in \(XeF_4\). Xenon (\(Xe\)) has 8 valence electrons and each fluorine (\(F\)) has 7 valence electrons. So, total valence electrons \(=8 + 4\times7=8 + 28 = 36\).
• Then, draw the Lewis structure. \(Xe\) is the central atom. It forms 4 single bonds with \(F\) atoms. After bonding, there are 2 lone pairs on \(Xe\) atom.
• According to VSEPR (Valence - Shell Electron - Pair Repulsion) theory, for a molecule with \(AX_4E_2\) (where \(A\) is the central atom, \(X\) is the surrounding atom, and \(E\) is the lone pair) formula, the molecular geometry is square planar. The lone pairs are placed at equatorial positions to minimize repulsion.

Answer:

square planar