Chapter 16, Problem 16.143QP

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Using VSEPR theory, the geometry of the hydronium ion ${\text{H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{O}}^{\text{+}}$ has to be predicted

Concept Information:

The shape of a molecule is predicted using Lewis structure and VSEPR (valence-shell electron-pair repulsion) model.

The shape of the molecule depends on the number of electron domains available for the central atom of the molecule.

The VSEPR model predicts that because these electron domains repel one another, they will arrange themselves to be as far apart as possible, thus minimizing the repulsive interactions between them.

For a molecule of type ${\text{AB}}_x$, where A is the central atom surrounded by x B atoms, x can have values of 2 to 6 and the molecules takes up the corresponding geometry

To Predict: The geometry of hydronium ion ${\text{H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{O}}^{\text{+}}$ using VSEPR

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason why the species ${\text{H}}_{\text{4}}{\text{O}}^{\text{2+}}$ does not exist has to explained; If it did exist, what would be its geometry has to be given.

Concept Information:

The shape of a molecule is predicted using Lewis structure and VSEPR (valence-shell electron-pair repulsion) model.

The shape of the molecule depends on the number of electron domains available for the central atom of the molecule.

The VSEPR model predicts that because these electron domains repel one another, they will arrange themselves to be as far apart as possible, thus minimizing the repulsive interactions between them.

For a molecule of type ${\text{AB}}_x$, where A is the central atom surrounded by x B atoms, x can have values of 2 to 6 and the molecules takes up the corresponding geometry

To Explain: The reason why the species ${\text{H}}_{\text{4}}{\text{O}}^{\text{2+}}$ does not exist and if it did exist, what would be its geometry