Question

In the following ions, the first atom listed is the center atom to the rest of the atoms. Which of the following ions would have a tetrahedral shape?

A. CN-
B. CO32-
C. PO43-
D. SO32-

Answer 1

C. PO₄³⁻
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Answer 2

Answer: C. PO43-

Explanation: Tetrahedral shape was given by L.Bel for methane.

This shape explains the arrangement of 4 similar atoms in the given space sharing the vicinity with an angle of 109.4° between central atom and 2 side atoms.

Thus CN- has a linear shape with 180°, CO32- and SO32- both has a planar shape with 120° and PO43- has a tetrahedral shape.

The shape of all the compounds are displayed below in the image -