Question

A molecule with the formula AB3, in which A and B represent different atoms, could have one of three different shapes. Sketch and name the three different shapes that this molecule might have. Give an example of a molecule or ion that has each shape.

a) Trigonal Planar - Example: BH3
b) Bent (V-shaped) - Example: H2O
c) Tetrahedral - Example: CH4
d) Octahedral - Example: SF6

Answer 1

A molecule with the formula AB3 could have three different shapes: trigonal planar, bent, and tetrahedral. Examples of molecules with these shapes include BH3, H2O, and CH4.

Step-by-step explanation:

A molecule with the formula AB3 could have one of three different shapes. These shapes are:

1. Trigonal Planar - The molecule has a flat, triangular shape with a bond angle of 120 degrees. An example of a molecule with this shape is BH3.
2. Bent (V-shaped) - The molecule has a bent or V-shaped geometry with a bond angle less than 120 degrees. An example of a molecule with this shape is H2O.
3. Tetrahedral - The molecule has a four-sided pyramid-like shape with a bond angle of 109.5 degrees. An example of a molecule with this shape is CH4.