QQuestionBiochemistry
QuestionBiochemistry
Which of the following describes where a molecular geometry can differ from an electron-pair geometry?
# Choose one:
A. A molecular geometry differs from an electron-pair geometry when the steric number and the number of lone pairs on a central atom are identical.
B. A molecular geometry differs from an electron-pair geometry when the central atom in a molecule has no lone pairs of electrons.
C. A molecular geometry and electron-pair geometry cannot differ, so no state can describe this situation.
D. A molecular geometry differs from an electron-pair geometry when the central atom in a molecule has lone pairs of electrons.
E. A molecular geometry differs from an electron-pair geometry when the steric number and the number of atoms bonded to the central atom in a molecule are identical.
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Answer
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Step 1:Let's solve this step by step:
Step 2:: Understand the key concepts
- Electron-pair geometry describes the arrangement of ALL electron pairs (bonding and lone pairs) around a central atom - Molecular geometry describes the arrangement of ONLY the atoms around the central atom
Step 3:: Analyze the conditions for differences between electron-pair and molecular geometries
- The key difference occurs when lone pairs are present on the central atom - Lone pairs take up space in the electron-pair geometry but do not contribute to the molecular geometry - This means the molecular geometry will be different from the electron-pair geometry when lone pairs are present
Step 4:: Evaluate the given options
- Option A is incorrect: Steric number and lone pairs are not the determining factor - Option B is incorrect: The absence of lone pairs means no difference would exist - Option C is incorrect: Geometries CAN differ - Option D is CORRECT: When lone pairs are present, the molecular geometry will differ from the electron-pair geometry - Option E is incorrect: The number of bonded atoms is not the key factor
Step 5:: Provide a concrete example
- In a molecule like $$NH_{3}$$, the electron-pair geometry is trigonal planar
- However, the molecular geometry is pyramidal due to the lone pair on the nitrogen atom
Final Answer
A molecular geometry differs from an electron-pair geometry when the central atom in a molecule has lone pairs of electrons.
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