QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
What is the molecular geometry of NF^3?
A. Trigonal pyramidal
B. Tetrahedral
C. Trigonal planar
D. Bent
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Answer
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Step 1: Determine the electron geometry of NF$_1$ using the valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory.
The electron geometry of NF$_3$ is thus trigonal pyramidal, where the nitrogen atom is at the apex and the three fluorine atoms are at the base.
Nitrogen (N) has 5 valence electrons, and each fluorine (F) atom contributes 7 valence electrons, resulting in a total of 5 + 3(7) = 26 valence electrons. Therefore, there are four electron pairs around the central nitrogen atom. According to the VSEPR theory, these electron pairs arrange themselves in such a way that they minimize repulsion between them.
Step 2: Determine the molecular geometry of NF$_1$ based on its electron geometry.
In NF$_3$, there are three fluorine atoms bonded to the central nitrogen atom, which means the molecular geometry is also trigonal pyramidal.
The molecular geometry of a molecule is determined by the arrangement of its constituent atoms, not the lone pairs.
Final Answer
Trigonal pyramidal.
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