Question

question 3 of 10
which of the following shapes would represent a molecule with two bonded atoms and three lone pairs on only one of them?
a. bent
b. trigonal planar
c. trigonal pyramidal
d. linear

Explanation:

The VSEPR (Valence - Shell Electron - Pair Repulsion) theory is used to predict molecular geometries. When a molecule has two bonded atoms and three lone pairs on one atom, the electron - pair geometry is trigonal bipyramidal due to a total of five electron groups (2 bonding + 3 non - bonding). However, the molecular geometry only considers the positions of the atoms. With two bonded atoms and three lone pairs, the lone pairs occupy the equatorial positions in a trigonal bipyramidal arrangement to minimize repulsion, resulting in a linear molecular shape.

Answer:

D. Linear