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What are the Six Symmetrical Shapes for Which ABn Molecules (in Which all "B" Atoms Are the Same) Must be Nonpolar?

User Machiel
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Final answer:

The six symmetrical shapes for which ABn molecules must be nonpolar are trigonal planar, tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal, octahedral, T-shaped, and square planar.

Step-by-step explanation:

The six symmetrical shapes for which ABn molecules (in which all 'B' atoms are the same) must be nonpolar are:

  1. Trigonal planar (e.g. BF3) - The three 'B' atoms are positioned symmetrically around the central 'A' atom.
  2. Tetrahedral (e.g. CH4) - The four 'B' atoms are positioned symmetrically around the central 'A' atom.
  3. Trigonal bipyramidal (e.g. PF5) - The five 'B' atoms are positioned symmetrically around the central 'A' atom.
  4. Octahedral (e.g. SF6) - The six 'B' atoms are positioned symmetrically around the central 'A' atom.
  5. T-Shaped (e.g. ClF3) - The three 'B' atoms are positioned symmetrically around the central 'A' atom, but the positions are different from the trigonal planar arrangement.
  6. Square planar (e.g. XeF4) - The four 'B' atoms are positioned symmetrically around the central 'A' atom, creating a square shape.
User Aronisstav
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