Question

What are All Possible Molecular Geometries As a Function of ABn?

Answer 1

Molecules with the formula ABn can have several possible molecular geometries, including linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, trigonal pyramidal, and bent. The specific geometry depends on the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs around the central atom.

Step-by-step explanation:

The molecular geometries of molecules can vary depending on the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs of electrons around the central atom. The shape of a molecule is determined by the electron domain geometry, which is the arrangement of all electron pairs (both bonding pairs and lone pairs) around the central atom. The molecular geometry, on the other hand, is the actual shape of the molecule.

For molecules with the formula ABn, where A represents the central atom and B represents the surrounding atoms, there are several possible molecular geometries:

1. Linear: 2 bonding pairs, 0 lone pairs, bond angle of 180°
2. Trigonal planar: 3 bonding pairs, 0 lone pairs, bond angle of 120°
3. Tetrahedral: 4 bonding pairs, 0 lone pairs, bond angle of approximately 109.5°
4. Trigonal pyramidal: 3 bonding pairs, 1 lone pair, bond angle slightly less than 109.5°
5. Bent: 2 bonding pairs, 2 lone pairs or 1 bonding pair, 2 lone pairs, bond angle less than 109.5°

These are the main molecular geometries, but there can be variations depending on the specific molecular formula and the presence of lone pairs.