Question

use the vsepr method to predict the molecular geometry of hgcl₂. select the single best answer.
trigonal pyramidal
trigonal planar
bent
linear
t - shaped
tetrahedral

Explanation:

Step1: Determine central atom

Hg is the central atom in HgCl₂.

Step2: Calculate valence - electron pairs

Hg has 2 valence electrons and each Cl donates 1 electron for bonding. So the number of bonding - electron pairs around Hg is 2 and the number of lone - electron pairs is 0. The total number of electron pairs around Hg is 2 (2 bonding + 0 non - bonding).

Step3: Predict geometry

According to VSEPR theory, when the central atom has 2 electron pairs with no lone pairs, the molecular geometry is linear.

Answer:

linear