Which species is linear?
Correct answer: C. BeCl2
- A. H2O
- B. NH3
- C. BeCl2
- D. CH4
Explanation
Beryllium in beryllium chloride has only two bond pairs and no lone pairs, so they point in opposite directions at 180 degrees. Water is bent, ammonia pyramidal and methane tetrahedral, each shaped by the number of lone pairs present. Counting electron regions and lone pairs settles every VSEPR question of this kind.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? support@testustad.com
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.
Practise Chemical Bonding
964 free Chemical Bonding MCQs from Chemistry, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Chemistry questions like this
Chemistry is on 14 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More VSEPR Theory questions
The number of lone pairs on the central atom in a water molecule is
The shape of the sulphur hexafluoride molecule, SF6, is
According to VSEPR theory, a molecule with four bond pairs and no lone pairs on the central atom is
Molecules having one lone pair and three bond pairs have geometrical shape
I3( Tri-iodine) has shape_________?
The number of lone pairs in XeOF4 is_________?