QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Using the VSEPR theory, what is the shape of CH^2Cl^2?
A. Bent: The chlorine atoms will push the hydrogen and carbon atoms farther away from them and closer to each other due to their greater electronegativity.
B. Trigonal pyramidal: There are four shared pairs of electrons and no lone electron pairs in the molecule.
C. Tetrahedral: There are four shared pairs of electrons and no lone electron pairs in the molecule.
D. Linear: The atoms are all nonmetals with low electronegativity and will have equal repulsion forces on each other.
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Answer
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Step 1Let's solve this step by step using VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory:
Step 2: Determine the central atom
- In CH₂Cl₂, carbon (C) is the central atom - Carbon has 4 valence electrons and forms 4 bonds
Final Answer
Tetrahedral The key is recognizing that the 4 electron domains around carbon arrange in a tetrahedral geometry with no lone pairs, resulting in a tetrahedral molecular shape.
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