QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
What is the electron group geometry and molecular geometry, respectively, for the molecule XeF^2?
A. trigonal bipyramidal, linear
B. trigonal bipyramidal, bent
C. tetrahedral, bent
D. octahedral, bent
E. octahedral, linear
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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 number of valence electrons
- Total valence electrons: $$8 + 14 = 22$$ electrons
- Xe (Xenon): 8 valence electrons - F (Fluorine): 7 valence electrons × 2 = 14 valence electrons
Step 3:: Draw the Lewis structure
- Xe will be the central atom - Place 2 single bonds to F atoms - Remaining electrons will be lone pairs on Xe - Total electron domains around Xe: 5 (2 bonding, 3 lone pairs)
Step 4:: Electron Group Geometry
\text{Electron domains} = 5
- 5 total electron domains - Electron group geometry is trigonal bipyramidal
Step 5:: Molecular Geometry
- 2 bonding domains - 3 lone pair domains - Lone pairs occupy equatorial positions to minimize repulsion - Resulting molecular geometry is linear
Final Answer
Explanation: The key is recognizing that while the electron group geometry is trigonal bipyramidal with 5 total domains, the actual molecular geometry is linear due to the specific arrangement of the lone pairs.
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