Question

consider dinitrogen tetroxide, n₂o₄. the lewis structure has 1 central atoms. each central atom has 2 single bonds and one double bond. the number of reds at each central atom is 2. the bond angles are 3° and the shape at each central atom is 4. n₂o₄ is a 5 symmetrical/asymmetrical molecule. a. 0 b. 1 c. 2 d. 3 e. 4 f. 180 g. 90 h. 120 i. 109.5 j. diatomic k. linear l. planar trigonal m. bent n. pyramidal o. tetrahedral p. symmetrical q. asymmetrical

Explanation:

1. Central atoms: In \(N_2O_4\), there are 2 nitrogen (\(N\)) atoms which act as central atoms.
2. REDS (Region of Electron Density): Each \(N\) atom has 2 single bonds, 1 double bond. A single bond and a double bond each count as one region of electron density. So, \(2 + 1=3\) REDs.
3. Bond angle: For a central atom with 3 REDs (no lone pairs), the bond angle is \(120^{\circ}\) (based on VSEPR theory for \(sp^{2}\) hybridization).
4. Shape: With 3 REDs (all bonds, no lone pairs), the shape is planar trigonal.
5. Symmetry: \(N_2O_4\) has a symmetrical structure as it is composed of two equivalent \(NO_2\) units.

Answer:

1. C. 2
2. D. 3
3. H. 120
4. L. planar trigonal
5. P. symmetrical