Chapter 4: Problem 66
Which of the following is a linear molecule? (a) \(\mathrm{SO}_{2}\) (b) \(\mathrm{CH}_{4}\) (c) \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) (d) \(\mathrm{BeCl}_{2}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Molecule (d) [3mBeCl[23m[203[23m is linear.
Step by step solution
01
Determine molecular geometry options
Molecules can be linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal, etc. A linear molecule has atoms arranged in a straight line.
02
Analyze the electron geometry of each molecule
- [3mSO[23m[2082[23m: Sulfur is bonded to two oxygen atoms but has lone pairs, making it bent rather than linear.
- [3mCH[23m[204[23m: Carbon forms four single bonds in a tetrahedral shape.
- [3mH[23m[208[23m[204[23m: Oxygen forms two bonds and has lone pairs, resulting in a bent shape.
- [3mBeCl[23m[203[23m[204[23m: Beryllium has two bonding pairs with no lone pairs, resulting in a linear shape.
03
Examine VSEPR Theory to confirm molecule shape
According to VSEPR Theory, a molecule can be linear if the central atom has no lone pairs and two bonds.
- [3mBeCl[23m[203[23m uses sp hybridization to bond with chlorine atoms, without any lone pairs influencing the shape, confirming linear structure.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
VSEPR Theory
The Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) Theory is a fundamental concept used to predict the geometry of molecular structures. It posits that electron pairs surrounding a central atom will arrange themselves as far apart as possible to minimize repulsion and maximize stability. Here's a simple breakdown:
- Electron Groups: Each bond, whether it's single, double, or triple, as well as lone pairs around a central atom, counts as one electron group.
- Arrangement: These groups will orient themselves to be at maximum distances to reduce electron-pair repulsion.
- Shape Influence: This arrangement directly influences the molecular geometry, leading to shapes such as linear, tetrahedral, trigonal planar, etc.
- Lone Pairs: Lone pairs occupy more space than bonding pairs, which can affect the bond angles and alter the apparent geometry of the molecule.
Linear Molecule
A linear molecule is the simplest molecular shape where atoms align in a straight line. This shape is typical when a central atom is connected to two other atoms with no lone electron pairs on the central atom. Key characteristics of linear molecules include:
- Straight Line Arrangement: The atoms are arranged in a straight line, which contributes to a 180-degree bond angle.
- Nonpolar Potential: If the atoms are identical on both sides, it can render the molecule nonpolar due to symmetrical charge distribution.
- Simplicity: Fewer interactions among atoms usually result in reduced molecular complexity.
Hybridization
Hybridization is a central concept in understanding molecular geometry, describing the process by which atomic orbitals mix to form new hybrid orbitals. This helps explain molecular shapes and bond angles observed in three-dimensional space. Here's how hybridization works:
- Orbital Mixing: When atoms bond, their electron clouds overlap, blending atomic orbitals (s, p, d, etc.) to create hybrid orbitals.
- Types of Hybridization: Most common types are \(sp\), \(sp^2\), and \(sp^3\). The choice depends on the number and types of bonds:
- - \(sp\) involves the mixing of one s and one p orbital to form two equivalent \(sp\) orbitals, resulting in a linear shape.
- - \(sp^2\) includes one s and two p orbitals, leading to a trigonal planar shape.
- - \(sp^3\) involves one s and three p orbitals, shaping a tetrahedral structure.
- Bond Angles: The hybridization type influences expected bond angles, such as \(180^\circ\) for \(sp\), \(120^\circ\) for \(sp^2\), and \(109.5^\circ\) for \(sp^3\).