Question

The T-shaped molecular geometry has ___ non-bonding electron pairs.

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

Answer 1

The T-shaped molecular geometry has two non-bonding electron pairs, arising from the central atom with five regions of electron density, where two are lone pairs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The T-shaped molecular geometry has two non-bonding electron pairs. This is because the central atom in a T-shaped molecule is typically surrounded by five regions of electron density, consisting of three bonded groups and two lone pairs. This arrangement occurs, for example, in the molecular geometry of ₂. It arises from the truncation of a trigonal bipyramid, where the lone pairs are located in the equatorial positions, causing repulsions that result in the T-shaped configuration.