Molecular Shapes

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

Questions and Answers

1.

What shape will PH₃ have?
- A.
  
  Trigonal planar
- B.
  
  Trigonal pyramidal
- C.
  
  Tetrahedral
- D.
  
  Linear
Correct Answer
B. Trigonal pyramidal

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

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2.

What shape will sulfur trioxide have?
- A.
  
  Trigonal planar
- B.
  
  Pyramidal
- C.
  
  bent
- D.
  
  Linear
Correct Answer
A. Trigonal planar

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.

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3.

What is the shape of NH₃?
- A.
  
  Pyramidal
- B.
  
  Trigonal planar
- C.
  
  bent
- D.
  
  Tetrahedral
Correct Answer
A. Pyramidal

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

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4.

What is the shape of F₂?
- A.
  
  Bent
- B.
  
  Straight
- C.
  
  Trigonal planar
- D.
  
  pyramidal
Correct Answer
B. Straight

Explanation
Two atoms can only make a straight line.

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5.

What is the shape of CF₄?
- A.
  
  Pyramidal
- B.
  
  Trigonal planar
- C.
  
  bent
- D.
  
  Tetrahedral
Correct Answer
D. Tetrahedral

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.

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Current Version
Jan 16, 2013

Quiz Edited by
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Aug 02, 2010

Quiz Created by
Kwchiro

Molecular Shapes

What shape will PH3 have?

What shape will sulfur trioxide have?

What is the shape of NH3?

What is the shape of F­2?

What is the shape of CF­4?

What shape will PH₃ have?

What is the shape of NH₃?

What is the shape of F₂?

What is the shape of CF₄?