Question

test #1- unit 1
1:26:42 remaining
none of the above
question 5 (1 point)
using the vsepr theory, predict that the shape of the carbonate ion,
co₃²⁻
trigonal pyramidal
square planar
regular tetrahedral
triangular planar
distorted tetrahedron
you can use this periodic table during the quiz.
however, as stated in the course outline, and in
the orientation session, this quiz is not open book.
you cannot access course material while you write
the quiz. nor can you google your answers, work as
a group, use a cheat sheet, etc.

Explanation:

The VSEPR (Valence - Shell Electron - Pair Repulsion) theory is used to predict the shape of molecules and ions. For the carbonate ion \(CO_{3}^{2 -}\), the central carbon atom has 3 bonding pairs of electrons and no lone pairs. According to VSEPR theory, when the central atom has 3 bonding pairs and 0 lone pairs, the shape is triangular planar.

• Trigonal pyramidal occurs when there are 3 bonding pairs and 1 lone pair (e.g., \(NH_{3}\)).
• Square planar occurs when there are 4 bonding pairs and 2 lone pairs (e.g., \(XeF_{4}\)).
• Regular tetrahedral occurs when there are 4 bonding pairs and 0 lone pairs (e.g., \(CH_{4}\)).
• Distorted tetrahedron is not a standard VSEPR - predicted shape for a species with 3 electron - pair groups around the central atom.

Answer:

triangular planar