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Ch.9 - Molecular Geometry and Bonding Theories
Chapter 9, Problem 3a

For each molecule (a)–(f), indicate how many different electron-domain geometries are consistent with the molecular geometry shown. a.
3D model of a water molecule showing its bent molecular geometry.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Electron-Domain Geometry

Electron-domain geometry refers to the spatial arrangement of all electron domains (bonding and non-bonding electron pairs) around a central atom in a molecule. This geometry is determined by the number of electron domains, which can include single bonds, double bonds, triple bonds, and lone pairs. Understanding this concept is crucial for predicting the overall shape of the molecule.
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Molecular Geometry

Molecular geometry describes the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule, focusing on the positions of the nuclei rather than the electron pairs. It is influenced by the electron-domain geometry but specifically accounts for the actual atoms present, leading to shapes such as linear, bent, trigonal planar, and tetrahedral. For example, the water molecule (H2O) has a bent molecular geometry due to the two hydrogen atoms and two lone pairs on oxygen.
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VSEPR Theory

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory is a model used to predict the geometry of individual molecules based on the repulsion between electron pairs in the valence shell of the central atom. According to VSEPR, electron pairs will arrange themselves as far apart as possible to minimize repulsion, which helps determine the molecular shape. This theory is essential for understanding why molecules like water adopt a bent geometry.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Consider the Lewis structure for acetic acid, which is known as vinegar: (b) What are the hybridizations of the orbitals on the two oxygen atoms, and what are the approximate bond angles at the oxygen that is connected to carbon and hydrogen? What are the hybridizations of the orbitals on the two oxygen atoms?

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Textbook Question

The figure that follows contains ball-and-stick drawings of three possible shapes of an AF4 molecule. (a) For each shape, give the electron-domain geometry on which the molecular geometry is based. ii.

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Textbook Question

For each of these contour representations of molecular orbitals, identify (b) the type of MO (s or p) (i)

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Textbook Question

The molecule shown here is difluoromethane 1CH2F22, which is used as a refrigerant called R-32. (c) If the molecule is polar, which of the following describes the direction of the overall dipole moment vector in the molecule: (i) from the carbon atom toward a fluorine atom, (ii) from the carbon atom to a point midway between the fluorine atoms, (iii) from the carbon atom to a point midway between the hydrogen atoms, or (iv) from the carbon atom toward a hydrogen atom?

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Textbook Question

The following plot shows the potential energy of two Cl atoms as a function of the distance between them. (c) If the Cl2 molecule is compressed under higher and higher pressure, does the Cl–Cl bond become stronger or weaker?

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Textbook Question

The orbital diagram that follows presents the final step in the formation of hybrid orbitals by a silicon atom. (a) Which of the following best describes what took place before the step pictured in the diagram: (i) Two 3p electrons became unpaired, (ii) An electron was promoted from the 2p orbital to the 3s orbital, or (iii) An electron was promoted from the 3s orbital to the 3p orbital?

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