QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
"Determine the molecular geometry for SF₄.
A. Square pyramidal
B. Trigonal bipyramidal
C. Seesaw
D. Square planar
E. T-shape"
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Answer
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Step 1: Determine the number of electron groups around the central atom (Sulfur).
The Lewis structure of SF₄ shows that Sulfur has 6 valence electrons and each Fluorine atom contributes 7 valence electrons, making a total of 4 x 7 + 6 = 34 valence electrons. Since Sulfur is the central atom, it forms 4 single bonds with Fluorine atoms, and these 4 electron groups are distributed around the central atom.
Step 2: Determine the molecular geometry using the electron group arrangement.
For a central atom with 4 electron groups, the possible molecular geometries are: - Square planar (if all 4 electron groups are in a single plane) - Tetrahedral (if all 4 electron groups are equivalent) - Seesaw (if there are 3 equivalent electron groups and one different) - Trigonal bipyramidal (if there are 3 electron groups in one plane and 2 in another) - Square pyramidal (if there are 4 electron groups in one plane and one above or below)
Final Answer
The molecular geometry for SF₄ is Square pyramidal (B).
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