Formal Charges
Formal charges have an important role in organic chemistry since this concept helps us to know whether an atom in a molecule is neutral/bears a positive or negative charge. Even if some molecules are neutral, the atoms within that molecule need not be neutral atoms.
Polarity Of Water
In simple chemical terms, polarity refers to the separation of charges in a chemical species leading into formation of two polar ends which are positively charged end and negatively charged end. Polarity in any molecule occurs due to the differences in the electronegativities of the bonded atoms. Water, as we all know has two hydrogen atoms bonded to an oxygen atom. As oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen thus, there exists polarity in the bonds which is why water is known as a polar solvent.
Valence Bond Theory Vbt
Valence bond theory (VBT) in simple terms explains how individual atomic orbitals with an unpaired electron each, come close to each other and overlap to form a molecular orbital giving a covalent bond. It gives a quantum mechanical approach to the formation of covalent bonds with the help of wavefunctions using attractive and repulsive energies when two atoms are brought from infinity to their internuclear distance.
![**Question:**
Of the following species, _______ will have bond angles of 120°.
**Options:**
A) BCl₃
B) NCl₃
C) All of these will have bond angles of 120°.
D) PH₃
E) ClF₃
---
**Explanation for Educational Context:**
When assessing molecular geometries and bond angles, it is important to consider electron pair repulsion and molecular shape according to VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory.
- **BCl₃ (Boron Trichloride):** Trigonal planar shape with bond angles of approximately 120°.
- **NCl₃ (Nitrogen Trichloride):** Pyramidal shape due to the lone pair on nitrogen, leading to smaller bond angles than 120°.
- **PH₃ (Phosphine):** Pyramidal shape due to lone pair on phosphorus; bond angles are less than 109.5°.
- **ClF₃ (Chlorine Trifluoride):** T-shaped geometry due to the presence of two lone pairs; bond angles are not 120°.
Correct Answer: **A) BCl₃**, which exhibits a trigonal planar shape with bond angles of 120°.](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2F022642ff-2978-4bb0-a681-9aa957701f17%2Fd1056bea-3fa9-4ef6-94b2-386d6a2a0a35%2Fok5rzh4_processed.png&w=3840&q=75)
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