According to VSEPR theory, a molecule with the general formula AX₄E₂will have a __________ molecular shape. A)tetrahedral B)square pyramidal C)square planar D)octahedral E)see-saw

Question

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The general formula suggests that there are 2 lone pairs of electrons present, which will occupy the axial positions. The central atom (A) is bonded to 4 other atoms (X), so the arrangement of these atoms is tetrahedral. However, the presence of 2 lone pairs means that the geometry is distorted to a square planar shape.

According to VSEPR Theory, a Molecule with the General Formula