QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
The molecular geometry (shape) of the H^3O+ ion is:
A. octahedral
B. trigonal planar
C. trigonal pyramidal
D. bent
E. tetrahedral
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Answer
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Step 1:: Determine the electron geometry of the H^3O+ ion
The central atom in the H^3O+ ion is oxygen, which has 6 electrons in its outer shell and 3 hydrogen atoms and one positive charge (which behaves as if it were an electron) surrounding it. To find the electron geometry, we need to determine how these electrons are arranged around the central atom.
Step 2:: Distribute the electrons
To distribute the electrons, we will use the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory, which states that electron pairs will arrange themselves in such a way as to minimize repulsion between them. In this case, we have 4 electron pairs around the central oxygen atom (3 bonding pairs and 1 lone pair).
Step 3:: Determine the molecular geometry
Since there are 4 electron pairs around the central atom, the electron geometry is tetrahedral. However, since one of these electron pairs is a lone pair, the molecular geometry is not tetrahedral. Instead, it is distorted due to the repulsion between the lone pair and the bonding pairs.
Step 4:: Identify the molecular geometry
The molecular geometry of the H^3O+ ion is "bent" or "V-shaped" due to the repulsion between the lone pair and the bonding pairs. This shape is similar to the water molecule (H^2O), which also has a bent molecular geometry due to the presence of two lone pairs on the central oxygen atom.
Final Answer
The molecular geometry of the H^3O+ ion is "bent" or "V-shaped" (option D).
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