QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
"Determine the electron geometry (eg) and molecular geometry (mg) of XeF₂.
A. eg = trigonal bipyramidal, mg = bent
B. eg = linear, mg = linear
C. eg = tetrahedral, mg = linear
D. eg = trigonal bipyramidal, mg = linear
E. eg = tetrahedral, mg = bent
"
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Answer
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Step 1: Determine the electron geometry (eg) of XeF₂.
XeF₂ is a molecule with two fluorine atoms (F) attached to a central xenon atom (Xe). In this case, the xenon atom forms two bonds with the fluorine atoms, and there are no lone pairs on the central atom. The electron geometry of such a molecule can be determined using the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory. According to the VSEPR theory, the electron pairs around the central atom will arrange themselves in such a way that they minimize repulsion between them. In this case, the central atom (Xe) has 2 electron pairs (one for each bond). The electron geometry for 2 electron pairs is linear.
Step 2: Determine the molecular geometry (mg) of XeF₂.
The molecular geometry is the three-dimensional shape of a molecule, considering both the bonded atoms and any lone pairs on the central atom. In this case, we have a linear electron geometry, and there are no lone pairs on the central atom. Therefore, the molecular geometry will be the same as the electron geometry, which is linear.
Final Answer
The electron geometry (eg) of XeF₂ is linear, and the molecular geometry (mg) of XeF₂ is linear. Therefore, the correct answer choice is B. eg = linear, mg = linear.
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