QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Use VSEPR theory to predict the molecular geometry (shape) of nitrogen trichloride, NCl₃.
A. Linear
B. Trigonal planar
C. Bent
D. Tetrahedral
E. Trigonal pyramidal
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this step by step using VSEPR theory:
Step 2:: Determine the central atom
- The central atom is nitrogen (N) - Nitrogen will be the atom to which other atoms are bonded
Step 3:: Count the number of electron domains around the central atom
- Nitrogen has 3 single bonds to chlorine atoms - Nitrogen also has a lone pair of electrons - Total electron domains = 4
Step 4:: Apply VSEPR theory electron domain geometry
\text{Electron domain geometry: Tetrahedral}
- 4 electron domains around the central atom - Electron domain geometry is tetrahedral
Step 5:: Determine the number of bonding domains
- 3 chlorine atoms are bonded to nitrogen - 1 lone pair exists on nitrogen
Step 6:: Calculate the molecular geometry
- With 3 bonding domains and 1 lone pair - This results in a trigonal pyramidal shape - The lone pair causes slight distortion from perfect tetrahedral geometry
Step 7:: Eliminate incorrect answer choices
- Linear (A): Incorrect - Trigonal planar (B): Incorrect - Bent (C): Incorrect - Tetrahedral (D): Close, but not precise - Trigonal pyramidal (E): Correct ✓
Final Answer
Trigonal pyramidal
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