what is the molecular shape of hcn?\no bent\no linear\no angular\no trigonal pyramidal
what is the molecular shape of hcn?\no bent\no linear\no angular\no trigonal pyramidal
Answer
Answer:
B. linear
Explanation:
Step1: Determine the Lewis - structure
The Lewis - structure of HCN has a triple bond between C and N, and a single bond between C and H. Carbon has 4 valence electrons, hydrogen has 1, and nitrogen has 5. The total number of valence electrons is (1 + 4+5 = 10). The Lewis - structure is (H - C\equiv N).
Step2: Identify the electron - pair geometry
The central atom is carbon. Carbon has 2 regions of electron density (the (C - H) single bond and the (C\equiv N) triple bond). According to the VSEPR (Valence - Shell Electron - Pair Repulsion) theory, when the central atom has 2 regions of electron density, the electron - pair geometry is linear.
Step3: Determine the molecular shape
Since there are no lone pairs on the central carbon atom, the molecular shape is the same as the electron - pair geometry, which is linear.