Molecular Geometry: Discover the Fascinating World of Atoms and Bonding

In summary, the question is asking which shape is not possible for a molecule with central atom having sp3d hybridization. The options given are linear, seesaw, T-shaped, tetrahedral, and trigonal bipyramidal. The hybridization refers to the number of things the central atom can be bound to, which in this case is five. The only possible answer is tetrahedral, as it has 4 bonding pairs and 0 non-bonding pairs, while the other options are sub-geometries of the trigonal bipyramidal which can have up to five bonds.
  • #1
force
never mind its over ! )
 
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  • #2
force said:
for this I have no idea
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Which of the following shapes is not possible for a molecule in which the central atom has sp3d hybridization?
a. linear
b. seesaw
c. T-shaped
d. tetrahedral
e. trigonal bipyramidal
The hybridization somewhat refers to how many things the central atom is, or can be, bound to. sp3d is 1 + 3+ 1 = 5 things (electron pairs count as things).

Are you sure this question is correct? The only one that seems possible is trigonal bipyramidal since that connects to 5 things. Linear is, I think, just 1 thing (acetylene), seesaw sounds like a joke answer, T-shape also sounds like a joke answer, and tetrahedral means 4 things (methane). Ask your teacher if that question has a typo.
 
  • #3
I just realized actually those funny names are sub geometries of the trigonal bipyramidal which all can have up to five legs, the only one that can't it seems is the tetrahedral which has 4 bonding pairs and 0 non-bonding pairs.
 

1. What is molecular geometry?

Molecular geometry is the 3-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule. It determines the shape of a molecule and is influenced by the number of atoms and the types of bonds between them.

2. How is molecular geometry determined?

Molecular geometry is determined by using a combination of experimental techniques and theoretical models. Experimental techniques, such as x-ray crystallography and spectroscopy, provide information about the positions of atoms in a molecule. Theoretical models, such as VSEPR theory and molecular orbital theory, use this information to predict the most stable arrangement of atoms.

3. What are the different types of molecular geometry?

There are several types of molecular geometry, including linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal, and octahedral. These shapes are determined by the number of bonding and non-bonding electron pairs around the central atom.

4. How does molecular geometry affect a molecule's properties?

Molecular geometry can influence a molecule's physical and chemical properties. For example, the shape of a molecule can affect its polarity, which in turn affects its solubility and reactivity. Additionally, the bond angles in a molecule can affect its stability and the strength of its bonds.

5. Can molecular geometry be changed?

Molecular geometry can be changed through the addition or removal of atoms or by altering the types of bonds in a molecule. This can result in different molecular shapes and can significantly impact the properties of the molecule. However, changing the molecular geometry may also require a change in the overall energy of the molecule, which can be difficult to achieve.

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