Question

choice: write the letter of the correct choice in the blank. 5. predict the geometry of the following molecule. cl - p - cl cl a. tetrahedral b. trigonal pyramidal c. trigonal planar d. angular 6. predict the geometry of the following molecule. h - te - h a. tetrahedral b. trigonal pyramidal c. trigonal planar d. angular 7. predict the geometry of the following molecule. o h - c - h a. tetrahedral b. trigonal pyramidal c. trigonal planar d. angular

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the central - atom's bonding and non - bonding electron pairs for PCl₃

Phosphorus (P) in PCl₃ has 5 valence electrons. It forms 3 single bonds with Cl atoms, using 3 of its valence electrons, and has 1 lone pair. According to VSEPR theory, with 3 bonding pairs and 1 lone pair, the electron - pair geometry is tetrahedral and the molecular geometry is trigonal pyramidal.

Step2: Determine the central - atom's bonding and non - bonding electron pairs for H₂Te

Tellurium (Te) in H₂Te has 6 valence electrons. It forms 2 single bonds with H atoms, using 2 of its valence electrons, and has 2 lone pairs. According to VSEPR theory, with 2 bonding pairs and 2 lone pairs, the electron - pair geometry is tetrahedral and the molecular geometry is angular (bent).

Step3: Determine the central - atom's bonding and non - bonding electron pairs for HCHO

Carbon (C) in HCHO has 4 valence electrons. It forms 2 single bonds with H atoms and 1 double bond with O atom, using all 4 of its valence electrons. There are no lone pairs on the central carbon atom. According to VSEPR theory, with 3 bonding pairs and 0 lone pairs, the electron - pair geometry and the molecular geometry are trigonal planar.

Answer:

1. b. trigonal pyramidal
2. d. angular
3. c. trigonal planar