Q
QuestionChemistry

"Consider nitrous acid, HNO₂ (HONO) What is the molecular geometry of the nitrogen in HNO^2? O Octahedral O Triangular planar O Linear O Tetrahedral"
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Answer

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Step 1
I'll solve this step by step using VSEPR theory to determine the molecular geometry of nitrogen in nitrous acid (HNO₂).

Step 2
: Determine the Lewis structure of HNO₂

- Total valence electrons: $$1 + 5 + 12 = 18$$ electrons
- Nitrogen is the central atom - Count the valence electrons: * Hydrogen: 1 electron * Nitrogen: 5 electrons * Oxygen (two oxygen atoms): 6 × 2 = 12 electrons

Final Answer

The molecular geometry of nitrogen in HNO₂ is triangular planar, with a slight deviation due to the lone pair on the nitrogen atom.