Chapter 1.9, Problem 21P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The shapes of the hydrogen cyanide $\left(\text{HCN}\right)$, ammonium ion $\left({\text{H}}_{\text{4}}{\text{N}}^{\text{+}}\right)$, azide ion $\left({\text{N}}_{\text{3}}{}^{-}\right)$, and carbonate ion $\left({\text{CO}}_{\text{3}}{}^{\text{2}-}\right)$ are to be determined.

Concept introduction:

The shape of the molecule is described according only to the position of its atoms rather than by the orientation of its electron pairs.

Multiple bond (double or triple) is treated as a unit in the VSEPR model.