QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
What is the molecular geometry for NO^2 -?
A. Trigonal planar
B. Bent
C. Trigonal pyramidal
D. Linear
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this step by step using VSEPR theory to determine the molecular geometry of NO^2 -.
Step 2:: Determine the number of valence electrons
- Total valence electrons: $$5 + 12 + 1 = 18$$ electrons
- Nitrogen (N): 5 valence electrons - Oxygen (O): 6 × 2 = 12 valence electrons - Extra electron from negative charge: + 1
Step 3:: Draw the Lewis structure
- Central nitrogen atom - Two oxygen atoms bonded to nitrogen - Negative charge distributed - Total electron domains: 3 (2 single bonds, 1 lone pair)
Step 4:: Analyze electron domain geometry
- 3 total electron domains - Electron domain geometry: Trigonal planar - Lone pair present on central nitrogen
Step 5:: Determine molecular geometry
- With 3 electron domains and 1 lone pair - Actual molecular geometry is BENT - Bond angle will be less than 120° due to lone pair repulsion
Step 6:: Evaluate answer choices
- A. Trigonal planar ❌ - B. Bent ✅ - C. Trigonal pyramidal ❌ - D. Linear ❌
Final Answer
Bent
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