Question

Which of the following molecules have the same geometries?

A) SF₄ and CH₄
B) CO₂ and H2O
C) CO₂ and BeH₂
D) N₂O and NO₂

Answer 1

The molecules CO₂ and BeH₂ share the same linear geometry, thus making (Option C) CO₂ and BeH₂ the pair of molecules that have the same geometries.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine which of the following molecules have the same geometries, we need to consider their molecular shapes based on the VSEPR theory. Here are the geometries for the supplied options:

• SF₄ has a see-saw shape due to its five regions of electron density (four bonding pairs and one lone pair of electrons).
• CH₄ has a tetrahedral geometry because it has four regions of electron density (all bonding pairs and no lone pairs of electrons).
• CO₂ is linear as it has two regions of electron density (both are bonding pairs).
• H2O has a bent or V-shaped geometry due to the presence of two bonding pairs and two lone pairs of electrons.
• BeH₂ also has a linear geometry because it has two bonding pairs and no lone pairs.
• N₂O (nitrous oxide) can exhibit different structures, but its most common geometry is linear.
• NO₂ has a bent or angular geometry due to the presence of one lone electron pair.

Considering the molecular geometries, the molecules CO₂ and BeH₂ both have linear geometries, making option C) CO₂ and BeH₂ the correct answer.