Moderate

Which molecular geometry is not possible for AB₄ type molecules?

Correct answer: A. Angular

  • A. Angular
  • B. Trigonal pyramidal
  • C. Tetrahedral
  • D. See-saw

Explanation

An AB₄ molecule has a central atom bonded to four surrounding atoms. Such species can adopt geometries like tetrahedral (AX₄), see-saw (AX₄E), or square planar (AX₄E₂). A bent or angular shape occurs only when the central atom is bonded to two atoms with lone pairs (AX₂E or AX₂E₂), so it is not possible for AB₄ molecules.

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Chemical bonding explains molecular shape through VSEPR theory and distinguishes sigma bonds from pi bonds. Questions involve hybridization, bond angles, dipole moment and bond energy, including how electron-pair repulsion determines geometry and how bond polarity differs from the overall polarity of a molecule.

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