Determine the electron geometry of C^2H^2 (skeletal structure HCCH). (Hint: Determine the geometry around each of the two central atoms.) A. trigonal planar B. linear C. pentahedral D. hexahedral E. tetrahedral
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Answer

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Step 1
: Determine the electron geometry around the carbon atom bonded to two other atoms (central carbon).

The central carbon atom in C^2H^2 is bonded to two carbon atoms and has no lone pairs. According to the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory, the repulsion between electron pairs around the central atom will determine the geometry.

Step 2
: Identify the hybridization of the central carbon atom.

Since the central carbon atom is bonded to two other carbon atoms, it has 2 sp hybrid orbitals. The sp hybridization results in a linear geometry.

Final Answer

The electron geometry of C^2H^2 is linear (Option B).