Question

what is the shape or geometry of ph₃? 1. trigonal planar 2. bent 3. trigonal pyramidal 4. tetrahedral

Explanation:

In $PH_3$, phosphorus has 5 valence electrons. Three of these electrons form bonds with hydrogen atoms, and one lone - pair of electrons remains on the phosphorus atom. According to VSEPR (Valence - Shell Electron - Pair Repulsion) theory, the presence of the lone - pair causes the bond angles to be less than the ideal tetrahedral angle. The molecular geometry is trigonal pyramidal.

Answer:

1. trigonal pyramidal