Question

1 of 12 concepts completed
multiple choice question
which molecular shape is shown?
tetrahedral
trigonal bipyramidal
trigonal pyramidal
trigonal planar
need help? review these concept resources.
read about the concept

Explanation:

To determine the molecular shape, we analyze the structure:

• A trigonal planar shape has a central atom bonded to three other atoms (or groups) in a flat, triangular arrangement with bond angles of \(120^\circ\), which matches the diagram (three yellow atoms around the central atom, \(120^\circ\) bond angle).
• Tetrahedral has four bonding groups (bond angle \(109.5^\circ\)), trigonal bipyramidal has five bonding groups (different angles), and trigonal pyramidal has three bonding groups and one lone pair (bond angle less than \(109.5^\circ\)).

Answer:

D. trigonal planar (assuming the options are labeled A - D with D as trigonal planar; if the original options' labels differ, adjust to the correct label with "trigonal planar")