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 have the same geometries; both are linear due to two bonding pairs and no lone pairs around their central atoms. Option number C is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The geometries of molecules depend on the arrangement of electron pairs around the central atom, which can be predicted using the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory. When comparing the geometries of these molecules, it's important to consider the central atom and the number and arrangement of the bonded atoms and lone electron pairs.

• SF₄ - Seesaw geometry due to one lone pair and four bonding pairs around the sulfur atom.
• CH₄ - Tetrahedral geometry, with four bonding pairs and no lone pairs around carbon.
• CO₂ - Linear geometry, with two bonding pairs and no lone pairs around carbon.
• H₂O - Bent geometry due to two bonding pairs and two lone pairs around oxygen.
• BeH₂ - Linear geometry, with two bonding pairs and no lone pairs around beryllium.
• N₂O - Linear geometry in its most common form, with nitrogen as the central atom and one lone pair.
• NO₂ - Bent geometry due to one lone pair and two bonding pairs around nitrogen.

Based on this information, the molecules with the same geometries are CO₂ and BeH₂, both of which have a linear geometry.