Question

According to VSEPR theory, if there are three electron domains in the valence shell of an atom, they will be arranged in a(n) __________ geometry.A. linearB. trigonal planarC. octahedralD. trigonal bipyramidalE. tetrahedral

Answer 1

Answer:  B. trigonal planar

Explanation:

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory (VSEPR) is a model to predict the geometry of the atoms making up a molecule where atoms are arranged such that the forces of repulsion are minimum.

If a central atom is bound to three electron domains ,the number of electron pairs is 3, that means the hybridization will be $sp^2$ and the electronic geometry of the molecule will be trigonal planar as the electron pairs will repel each other and attain a position which is most stable.

Example: $BCl_3$ with 3 electron domains has trigonal planar geometry.