Q86 E - Chemistry (OpenStax)

Question

What feature of a Lewis structure can be used to tell if a molecule’s (or ion’s) electron-pair geometry and molecular structure will be identical?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The feature of a Lewis structure that can be used to tell if a molecule’s (or ion’s) electron-pair geometry and molecular structure will be identical is the presence or non-presence of lone pair.

Step 1: Concept Introduction

A Lewis structure is a molecule's structural depiction in which dots represent electron locations surrounding the atoms and lines or dot pairs represent covalent connections.

Step 2: Feature of Lewis Structure

The difference between molecular structure and electron-pair geometry can be identified by observing the lone pairs on the central atom. If lone pair is present then it is electron-pair geometry otherwise it will be molecular structure.

 

Therefore, difference can be observed by lone pairs.