Molecular Shapes

1. What is the shape of CF₄?

Pyramidal

Trigonal planar

Bent

Tetrahedral

It will be tetrahedral. The carbon is in the center with the 4 Fluorine atoms surrounding it. All single bonds and no unpaired electrons on the central carbon.

Explanation

It will be tetrahedral. The carbon is in the center with the 4 Fluorine atoms surrounding it. All single bonds and no unpaired electrons on the central carbon.

About This Quiz

What are the molecular shapes (based on the Lewis structures) of various molecules?

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2. What is the shape of F₂?

Bent

Straight

Trigonal planar

Pyramidal

Two atoms can only make a straight line.

Explanation

Two atoms can only make a straight line.

3. What shape will PH₃ have?

Trigonal planar

Trigonal pyramidal

Tetrahedral

Linear

It has a 3 “prong” base with the unpaired electron cloud on the middle atom (phosphorus) given it a pyramidal shape.

Explanation

It has a 3 “prong” base with the unpaired electron cloud on the middle atom (phosphorus) given it a pyramidal shape.

4. What is the shape of NH₃?

Pyramidal

Trigonal planar

Bent

Tetrahedral

It has a 3 “prong” base with the unpaired electron cloud on the middle atom (phosphorus) given it a pyramidal shape.

Explanation

It has a 3 “prong” base with the unpaired electron cloud on the middle atom (phosphorus) given it a pyramidal shape.

5. What shape will sulfur trioxide have?

Trigonal planar

Pyramidal

Bent

Linear

Sulfur trioxide has a triangular shape with the sulfur in the middle. One oxygen will have a double bond with sulfur. There are no unpaired electrons on the middle atom.

Explanation

Sulfur trioxide has a triangular shape with the sulfur in the middle. One oxygen will have a double bond with sulfur. There are no unpaired electrons on the middle atom.