Question

using the vsepr model, predict the molecular geometry of po₄³⁻. select the single best answer. trigonal bipyramidal linear trigonal planar octahedral trigonal pyramidal bent square planar seesaw t - shaped tetrahedral square pyramidal

Explanation:

Step1: Count valence - electrons

The P atom has 5 valence electrons, each O atom has 6 valence electrons, and there is a 3 - charge. So the total number of valence electrons is \(5 + 4\times6+3=32\).

Step2: Determine the Lewis structure

P is the central atom. Connect P to 4 O atoms with single bonds first. Then distribute the remaining electrons to satisfy the octet rule for each atom. In the Lewis structure of \(PO_{4}^{3 -}\), P has 4 bonding pairs and 0 lone pairs.

Step3: Apply VSEPR model

According to the VSEPR model, when the central atom has 4 bonding pairs and 0 lone pairs, the molecular geometry is tetrahedral.

Answer:

tetrahedral