126k views
5 votes
Use VSEPR to predict the electron-pair geometry of F₂.

A) Trigonal Bipyramidal
B) Linear
C) Trigonal Planar
D) Tetrahedral

User TroyJ
by
7.5k points

1 Answer

1 vote

Final answer:

Using the VSEPR theory, it is determined that the electron-pair geometry of F₂ is linear since it consists of two fluorine atoms bonded without any lone pairs, optimizing the geometry to minimize repulsions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks us to use Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory to predict the electron-pair geometry of F₂. In the case of F₂, there are two fluorine atoms bonded to each other, with no lone pairs of electrons on the central atom (as there isn't really a central atom in diatomic molecules). According to the VSEPR theory, the regions of electron density for this molecule would be minimized with a linear arrangement. Therefore, the electron-pair geometry of F₂ is linear, which corresponds to option B) Linear.

User Mark Mooibroek
by
7.5k points