consider the lewis dot structures below, which represent the valence electrons of carbon (c) and chlorine…

consider the lewis dot structures below, which represent the valence electrons of carbon (c) and chlorine (cl). when these bond to make ccl4, what is the shape of a ccl4 molecule? linear circular tetrahedral trigonal planar

consider the lewis dot structures below, which represent the valence electrons of carbon (c) and chlorine (cl). when these bond to make ccl4, what is the shape of a ccl4 molecule? linear circular tetrahedral trigonal planar

Answer

Answer:

C. tetrahedral

Explanation:

Step1: Determine central atom

Carbon is central in CCl₄.

Step2: Calculate electron - pair geometry

Carbon has 4 valence electrons and forms 4 single bonds with chlorine atoms, so it has 4 bonding pairs and 0 lone pairs. According to VSEPR (Valence - Shell Electron - Pair Repulsion) theory, the electron - pair geometry for 4 bonding pairs and 0 lone pairs is tetrahedral.

Step3: Determine molecular geometry

Since there are no lone pairs on the central carbon atom, the molecular geometry is the same as the electron - pair geometry, which is tetrahedral.