What is the shape of the molecule with the formula AX2E2 according to VSEPR theo
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the shape of the molecule with the formula AX2E2 according to VSEPR theory?
Linear
Bent
Trigonal planar
Tetrahedral
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the shape of the molecule with the formula AX2E2 according to VSEPR theory?
Correct Answer: Bent
Step 1: Identify the components of the formula AX2E2. Here, 'A' is the central atom, 'X' represents bonding pairs (atoms bonded to A), and 'E' represents lone pairs (non-bonding electrons on A).
Step 2: Count the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs. In AX2E2, there are 2 bonding pairs (X) and 2 lone pairs (E).
Step 3: Use VSEPR theory, which states that electron pairs (bonding and lone) will arrange themselves to minimize repulsion.
Step 4: With 2 bonding pairs and 2 lone pairs, the shape will be affected by the lone pairs pushing the bonding pairs closer together.
Step 5: The arrangement of 2 bonding pairs and 2 lone pairs leads to a bent shape, as the lone pairs occupy more space and push the bonding pairs down.
