QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
"Determine the electron geometry (eg) and molecular geometry (mg) of CO₂.
A. eg = trigonal planar, mg = trigonal planar
B. eg = linear, mg = linear
C. eg = tetrahedral, mg = tetrahedral
D. eg = trigonal planar, mg = bent
E. eg = linear, mg = trigonal planar"
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Answer
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Step 1:Let's solve this step by step using VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory:
Step 2:: Determine the Lewis structure of CO₂
- Carbon (C) is the central atom - Oxygen atoms (O) are on both sides of carbon - Each oxygen forms a double bond with carbon - Total electron domains around carbon = 3 (2 double bonds + 1 lone pair)
Step 3:: Count electron domains
- Number of electron domains = 3 - Number of bonding domains = 2 (double bonds) - Number of lone pair domains = 0
Step 4:: Determine electron geometry
- Electron domain geometry follows $$AX_{2}$$ type arrangement
- 3 electron domains
Step 5:: Determine molecular geometry
- Molecular geometry = $$linear
- No lone pairs on central atom - All electron domains are bonding domains
Step 6:: Analyze the options
- The description matches option B: $$eg = linear, mg = linear
Final Answer
Key Reasoning: - CO₂ has a symmetrical linear structure - Carbon has 3 electron domains arranged linearly - No lone pairs affect the geometry - Double bonds do not change the fundamental linear arrangement
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