Asked in ETEA MDCAT 2016 2016Moderate

What will be the shape of a molecule which contains two sigma bond pairs and one lone pair?

Correct answer: B. V shape

  • A. Linear
  • B. V shape
  • C. Tetragonal
  • D. Triangular

Explanation

The correct molecular shape for a molecule with two sigma bond pairs and one lone pair is V shape or bent. According to VSEPR theory, the presence of a lone pair results in a repulsion that alters the ideal trigonal planar shape into a bent shape, with bond angles less than 120 degrees.Option A is incorrect because linear geometry is typical of molecules with two bonding pairs and no lone pairs, resulting in 180-degree angles.Option C, tetragonal, is incorrect because it involves four bonding pairs, not two.Option D, triangular, is incorrect as it refers to trigonal planar geometry with no lone pairs, which is not applicable here due to the lone pair present.

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About VSEPR Theory

Valence shell electron pair repulsion theory predicts molecular shape by arranging bonding pairs and lone pairs around a central atom to minimize repulsion. Questions cover linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal and octahedral electron geometries, bond angles and distortions caused by lone pairs. Electron geometry is not always the same as molecular shape.

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