Question

question 1 of 10
in the following ions, the first atom listed is the center atom to the rest of the atoms. which of the following ions would have a tetrahedral shape?
a. co₃²⁻
b. po₄³⁻
c. cn⁻
d. so₃²⁻

Explanation:

1. For $CO_{3}^{2 - }$, the central C atom has 3 bonding pairs and 0 lone - pairs, giving a trigonal planar geometry.
2. For $PO_{4}^{3 - }$, the central P atom has 4 bonding pairs and 0 lone - pairs. According to VSEPR (Valence - Shell Electron - Pair Repulsion) theory, when a central atom has 4 bonding pairs and 0 lone - pairs, the molecular geometry is tetrahedral.
3. For $CN^{-}$, the central C atom has 2 bonding pairs and 0 lone - pairs, resulting in a linear geometry.
4. For $SO_{3}^{2 - }$, the central S atom has 3 bonding pairs and 1 lone - pair, giving a trigonal pyramidal geometry.

Answer:

B. $PO_{4}^{3 - }$