Question

Using the VSEPR model, predict the electron domain geometry and the molecular geometry of each species (bent, linear, octahedral, seesaw, square planar, square pyramidal, T-shaped, tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal, trigonal planar, or trigonal pyramidal).

a) CH₄ (Methane)

b) H₂O (Water)

c) SF₆ (Sulfur Hexafluoride)

d) NH₃ (Ammonia)

Answer 1

The VSEPR model predicts the electron domain geometry and molecular geometry of molecules and ions. Methane has a tetrahedral electron domain and molecular geometry. Water has a tetrahedral electron domain and bent molecular geometry. Sulfur hexafluoride has an octahedral electron domain and square planar molecular geometry. Ammonia has a tetrahedral electron domain and trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry.

Step-by-step explanation:

The VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) model predicts the electron domain geometry and molecular geometry of molecules and ions. Using this model, we can determine the spatial arrangement of atoms and lone pairs around the central atom. Let's analyze each species:

1. a) CH₄ (Methane): Methane has a tetrahedral electron domain geometry and a tetrahedral molecular geometry. There are four electron domains surrounding the central carbon atom, each of which is a bonded pair of electrons.
2. b) H₂O (Water): Water has a tetrahedral electron domain geometry and a bent molecular geometry. There are four electron domains surrounding the central oxygen atom—two bonded pairs and two lone pairs.
3. c) SF₆ (Sulfur Hexafluoride): Sulfur hexafluoride has an octahedral electron domain geometry and a square planar molecular geometry. There are six electron domains surrounding the central sulfur atom—six bonded pairs, with no lone pairs.
4. d) NH₃ (Ammonia): Ammonia has a tetrahedral electron domain geometry and a trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry. There are four electron domains surrounding the central nitrogen atom—three bonded pairs and one lone pair.