QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Determine the molecular geometry of C^2H^2.
Option 1: Linear
Option 2: Trigonal pyramidal
Option 3: Trigonal planar
Option 4: Tetrahedral
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Answer
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Step 1: Determine the electron group geometry around the central atom.
In this case, the central atom is carbon (C), and it has two attached hydrogen (H) atoms and one double bond to another carbon atom. Each single bond contains 2 electrons, and a double bond contains 4 electrons. Therefore, there are a total of (2 * 2) + 4 = 8 electrons around the central carbon atom. The electron group geometry can be determined using the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory, which states that electron pairs will arrange themselves in such a way as to minimize repulsion between them. In this case, we have 3 regions of electron density (two single bonds and one double bond) around the central carbon atom. Since there are 3 electron regions, the electron group geometry is trigonal planar.
Step 2: Determine the molecular geometry.
The molecular geometry is based on the electron group geometry but takes into account the presence of multiple bonds or lone pairs on the central atom. In this case, we have a trigonal planar electron group geometry with one double bond. Since the double bond takes up less space than two single bonds, the molecular geometry remains trigonal planar.
Final Answer
The molecular geometry of C^2H^2 is trigonal planar.
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