Question

question 9 of 10
if there were only three electron groups around an atom, how would they be arranged?
a. they would be arranged in a trigonal pyramidal orientation.
b. they would be arranged in a linear orientation.
c. they would be arranged in a bent orientation.
d. they would be arranged in a trigonal planar orientation.

Explanation:

To determine the arrangement of three electron groups around an atom, we refer to the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory. Electron groups (bonding or non - bonding pairs) repel each other and tend to be as far apart as possible. For three electron groups, the most stable arrangement (to minimize repulsion) is a trigonal planar orientation, where the three electron groups are in the same plane and form angles of approximately \(120^{\circ}\) with each other.

• Option A: A trigonal pyramidal orientation is for four electron groups (with one lone pair), so this is incorrect.
• Option B: A linear orientation is for two electron groups, so this is incorrect.
• Option C: A bent orientation is usually for three electron groups with one or two lone pairs, but the question just says three electron groups (without specifying lone pairs, so we assume the basic arrangement of three bonding groups or three electron groups with no lone pairs), so this is incorrect.
• Option D: Matches the VSEPR prediction for three electron groups.

Answer:

D. They would be arranged in a trigonal planar orientation.