Atom X in a molecule has tetrahedral electron geometry but a bent molecular shape. Which of the following describes the identity of atom X? A) Atom X is the oxygen in a molecule of H₂O. B) Atom X is the nitrogen in a molecule of NH₃. C) Atom X is the hydrogen in a molecule of CH₄. D) Atom X is the carbon in a molecule of CH₄. E) Atom X could be any of these atoms.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A tetrahedral electron geometry means that there are four electron groups around the central atom, causing it to have a sp3 hybridization. A bent molecular shape indicates that there is a lone pair on the central atom, and the shape is distorted due to the lone pair. The only molecule given with tetrahedral electron geometry and a bent shape is H₂O, which has oxygen as the central atom. Therefore, atom X must be the oxygen in this molecule, and the answer is A.

Atom X in a Molecule Has Tetrahedral Electron Geometry but a Bent