Chapter 7, Problem 7.128QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The Lewis structure and geometry of ${\text{P}}_{\text{4}}$ should be drawn. The reason for less stability in ${\text{P}}_2$ than in ${\text{P}}_{\text{4}}$ should be compared.

Concept Introduction:

• Hybridization is mixing of valence atomic orbitals having to get equivalent hybridized orbitals that having similar characteristics and energy.
• Geometry of a molecule can be predicted by knowing its hybridization. Using VSEPR theory and Lewis structure, the exact geometry of a molecule can be obtained.
• In VSEPR, the geometry of the molecule is explained based on minimizing electrostatic repulsion between the molecules’ valence electrons around a central atom,
• Lewis structures is also known as Lewis dot structures which represents the bonding between atoms of a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons that may exist in the molecule.