Question

the geometry of the brf₃ molecule is best described as: bent tetrahedral t - shaped trigonal pyramidal triangular planar

Explanation:

To determine the geometry of BrF₃, first calculate the steric number of the central Br atom: steric number = number of bonding pairs + number of lone pairs. Br forms 3 bonds with F atoms and has 2 lone pairs (since Br has 7 valence electrons: 3 used in bonding, 4 left as 2 lone pairs). Steric number = 3 + 2 = 5, corresponding to a trigonal bipyramidal electron geometry. In trigonal bipyramidal electron geometry, lone pairs occupy equatorial positions to minimize repulsion. With 2 equatorial lone pairs and 3 axial/equatorial bonding pairs (3 F atoms in axial and one equatorial? No—correction: 2 lone pairs in equatorial positions leave 3 bonding pairs in one equatorial and two axial positions, forming a T-shape.

Answer:

t-shaped