Question

consider the molecular shape of sulfur trioxide (so₃). select the single best answer for each part. part 1 of 2 predict the molecular geometry of sulfur trioxide (so₃). trigonal bipyramidal seesaw trigonal planar trigonal pyramidal part 2 of 2 predict the hybridization of the central atom. sp³d sp³d² sp sp²

Explanation:

Step1: Determine bonding - electron pairs and lone - pairs for molecular geometry

In $SO_3$, sulfur is the central atom. Sulfur has 6 valence electrons and oxygen forms double - bonds with sulfur. There are 3 bonding electron pairs and 0 lone pairs around the sulfur atom. According to VSEPR (Valence - Shell Electron - Pair Repulsion) theory, when the central atom has 3 bonding pairs and 0 lone pairs, the molecular geometry is trigonal planar.

Step2: Determine hybridization based on electron - pair geometry

Since there are 3 regions of electron density (3 bonding pairs) around the central sulfur atom, the hybridization of the central sulfur atom is $sp^{2}$. Hybrid orbitals are formed to accommodate the electron - pairs. When there are 3 regions of electron density, one s and two p orbitals hybridize to form three $sp^{2}$ hybrid orbitals.

Answer:

Part 1 of 2: Trigonal planar
Part 2 of 2: $sp^{2}$