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If a molecule has four hybrid sp3 orbitals, it can be concluded that the molecule has a

A. trigonal planar molecular geometry.
B. trigonal planar electron domain geometry.
C. tetrahedral molecular geometry.
D. tetrahedral electron domain geometry.

2 Answers

3 votes

Final answer:

A molecule with four hybrid sp3 orbitals has a tetrahedral molecular geometry and a tetrahedral electron domain geometry, as this configuration minimizes electron repulsion according to VSEPR theory.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a molecule has four hybrid sp3 orbitals, it indicates that the atom with these orbitals is bonded to four other atoms or groups of atoms. According to the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory, the electron-pair geometry that minimizes the repulsion between these areas of electron density is tetrahedral. Therefore, the correct answer is that the molecule has a tetrahedral molecular geometry and a tetrahedral electron domain geometry.

Option A is incorrect because a molecule with a trigonal planar molecular geometry would have sp2 hybridization. Option B is incorrect for the same reason and option C aligns perfectly with the features of a molecule with four sp3 hybrid orbitals.

User Sreeni
by
8.5k points
6 votes

Answer:

C is wrong, the correct answer is D

Step-by-step explanation:

I just took the test

User Tatoline
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7.5k points