List all possible molecular geometries (shapes) for a nonpolar molecule with the formula AX₄.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The AX4E1 molecule can have either tetrahedral or square planar geometry. The central atom (A) has four bonded pairs and one lone pair of electrons, meaning it has a total of five electron groups. From VSEPR theory, the electron groups will arrange themselves to minimize repulsion, resulting in either a tetrahedral or square planar shape. The decision between these two geometries depends on the relative energy of the two shapes, which is determined by the electronegativities of the surrounding atoms. In this case, since there are no polar bonds and all atoms have similar electronegativities, both tetrahedral and square planar geometries are possible.

List All Possible Molecular Geometries (Shapes) for a Nonpolar Molecule