Question

The square-planar molecular geometry has ____ non-bonding electron pairs.

A) 0
B) 1
C) 2
D) 3

Answer 1

The square-planar molecular geometry typically includes two non-bonding electron pairs, as the central atom is surrounded by four atoms in a square plane and the non-bonding pairs occupy the axial positions of an octahedral layout.

Step-by-step explanation:

The square-planar molecular geometry refers to the arrangement of atoms in a molecule where the central atom is surrounded by four atoms at the corners of a square plane. This geometry typically includes two non-bonding electron pairs. These non-bonding electron pairs, or lone pairs, are located in the axial positions of what would otherwise be an octahedral arrangement. Consequently, the molecular structure for a square-planar geometry shows that the electron-pair geometry modifies to accommodate the lone pairs, thus leading to a final tally of two non-bonding electron pairs. Therefore, the correct answer is C) 2.