QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
What is the geometry (molecular shape) around the central atom in the following model of H₂S?
a. linear
b. bent
c. trigonal pyramidal
d. tetrahedral
e. trigonal planar
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this step by step using VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory:
Step 2:: Determine the central atom
- The central atom in H₂S is sulfur (S)
Step 3:: Count valence electrons
- Total valence electrons: $$6 + (1 \times 2) = 8$$ electrons
- Sulfur: 6 valence electrons - Hydrogen: 1 valence electron each
Step 4:: Draw Lewis structure
- Sulfur forms two single bonds with hydrogen atoms - Sulfur has two lone pairs of electrons
Step 5:: Apply VSEPR theory
- Total electron domains around sulfur: 4 (2 bonding, 2 non-bonding) - Electron domain geometry: Tetrahedral - Actual molecular geometry: Bent - This occurs because the lone pairs repel the bonding pairs, causing a bent shape
Step 6:: Analyze molecular geometry
- The lone pairs cause the H-S-H bond angle to be less than 109.5° - Typically around 92 - 95°
Final Answer
The key is recognizing that while the electron domain geometry is tetrahedral, the presence of lone pairs causes the actual molecular shape to be bent.
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