Using the VSEPR model, the molecular geometry of the central atom in PCl₃ is ________. A) trigonal pyramidal B) bent C) tetrahedral D) trigonal planar E) linear

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The central atom in PCl₃ is P, which has 5 valence electrons. There are 4 single bonds and 1 lone pair around the central atom. This gives a total of 5 electron pairs around P. According to the VSEPR model, the electron pairs arrange themselves in a way that minimizes repulsion between them. In this case, the electron pairs will arrange themselves in a trigonal bipyramidal geometry, where the lone pair occupies one of the equatorial positions. The lone pair exerts a greater repulsion force than the bonded pairs, causing a distortion in the bond angles. This leads to the molecular geometry being trigonal pyramidal. Therefore, the best choice is A.

Using the VSEPR Model, the Molecular Geometry of the Central