Question

question 8 (1 point)
a molecule exhibits the trigonal bipyramidal shape. how many electron groups exist in the valence shell for the central atom in this molecule?
two
three
four
five
more information is required to answer this question

Explanation:

Step1: Recall VSEPR theory

The valence - shell electron - pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory states that the shape of a molecule is determined by the repulsion between electron groups around the central atom.

Step2: Identify electron - group number for trigonal bipyramidal shape

According to VSEPR theory, a trigonal bipyramidal molecular shape occurs when there are 5 electron groups in the valence shell of the central atom.

Answer:

Five