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:
- Trigonal planar (e.g. BF3) - The three 'B' atoms are positioned symmetrically around the central 'A' atom.
- Tetrahedral (e.g. CH4) - The four 'B' atoms are positioned symmetrically around the central 'A' atom.
- Trigonal bipyramidal (e.g. PF5) - The five 'B' atoms are positioned symmetrically around the central 'A' atom.
- Octahedral (e.g. SF6) - The six 'B' atoms are positioned symmetrically around the central 'A' atom.
- 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.
- Square planar (e.g. XeF4) - The four 'B' atoms are positioned symmetrically around the central 'A' atom, creating a square shape.