Question

the molecular geometry. follow the steps below and answer the questions. make sure the box at the bottom left has \molecular geometry\ checked.
a. the screen should have a purple dot on it. if it doesnt, click the
emove all\ button.
b. add a single bond by clicking the icon in the upper right. screenshot the molecule below and label the shape.
c. add another single bond. what happened to the shape? why did the bonds push away from each other? screenshot below.

Explanation:

• For part b: When a single bond is added, the molecular geometry is linear. This is because with two electron - group (the central atom and one bonded atom), the electron - pair repulsion (VSEPR theory) leads to a linear arrangement to minimize repulsion.
• For part c: When another single bond is added, the shape remains linear. The bonds push away from each other due to electron - pair repulsion (VSEPR theory). Electron pairs (in this case, bonding pairs) repel each other, and the linear arrangement (180° angle) is the geometry that minimizes this repulsion for two bonding pairs.

Answer:

• b. The shape is linear.
• c. The shape is linear. The bonds push away from each other because of electron - pair repulsion (VSEPR theory). Electron pairs (bonding pairs here) repel each other, and a linear arrangement (180°) minimizes this repulsion for two bonding pairs.