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QuestionChemistry

"What is the molecular geometry of SiH^4? Bent Linear Tetrahedral Trigonal pyramidal Not enough information"
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this problem step by step, following the specified LaTeX formatting guidelines:

Step 2:
: Analyze the Central Atom

- The molecule is SiH₄ (silane) - Silicon (Si) is the central atom - Silicon has 4 hydrogen atoms attached

Step 3:
: Determine Electron Configuration

- Total electron pairs around silicon = $$\frac{4 + 4}{2} = 4$$ bonding electron pairs
- Silicon is in Group 14 (4A) - Silicon has 4 valence electrons - Each hydrogen contributes 1 electron

Step 4:
: Apply VSEPR Theory

- 4 electron pairs around central atom - All 4 pairs are bonding pairs - No lone pairs on the central atom

Step 5:
: Predict Molecular Geometry

- 4 bonding pairs with no lone pairs - Electron pair geometry: Tetrahedral - Molecular geometry: Tetrahedral

Final Answer

The correct answer is Tetrahedral, which corresponds to option 3 in the given choices.