Open Question
In the following compound, is hydrogen present as H+, H-, or a covalently bound H atom? (b) PH3
Ch.22 - The Main Group Elements
Chapter 22, Problem 62a
Describe the molecular geometry of:
(a) H2Se
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule. For H2Se, selenium (Se) is the central atom because hydrogen (H) is typically a terminal atom.
Determine the number of valence electrons for the central atom. Selenium (Se) is in group 16 of the periodic table, so it has 6 valence electrons.
Count the total number of valence electrons in the molecule. Each hydrogen atom contributes 1 valence electron, so H2Se has a total of 6 (from Se) + 2 (from 2 H atoms) = 8 valence electrons.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the molecular geometry. Selenium will form two single bonds with hydrogen atoms, using 4 of its valence electrons, leaving 2 lone pairs on the selenium atom.
Based on the VSEPR theory, the presence of two bonding pairs and two lone pairs around the central atom (Se) results in a bent or angular molecular geometry, similar to that of water (H2O).
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