Question

determine the molecular shape of each compound based on their lewis structures. cl₂: bent, linear, tetrahedral; pi₃: trigonal planar, trigonal pyramidal, tetrahedral

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze $Cl_2$

The Lewis - structure of $Cl_2$ has a single bond between two $Cl$ atoms with three lone - pairs on each $Cl$ atom. The central atom (in this case, either $Cl$) has 2 bonding regions and 0 lone - pairs. According to VSEPR theory, the molecular shape is linear.

Step2: Analyze $PI_3$

The central $P$ atom in $PI_3$ has 3 bonding regions (with $I$ atoms) and 1 lone - pair. According to VSEPR theory, when a central atom has 3 bonding regions and 1 lone - pair, the molecular shape is trigonal pyramidal.

Answer:

$Cl_2$: linear
$PI_3$: trigonal pyramidal