Question

2.Predict the shapes of the following molecules using the VSEPR theory?

(a) H2O (b) ClF3​

Answer 1

Answer:

1. Water has 4 regions of electron density around the central oxygen atom (2 bonds and 2 lone pairs). These are arranged in a tetrahedral shape. The resulting molecular shape is bent with an H-O-H angle of 104.5°.
2. These are arranged in a trigonal bipyramidal shape with a 175° F(axial)-Cl-F(axial) bond angle. The two lone pairs take equatorial positions because they demand more space than the bonds. The result is a T-shaped molecule.

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