what is the molecular geometry of trans-difluroethylene: trans-C2H2F2?

I know how to draw the lewis structure but I'm not sure how to find the molecular geometry.

I think it's a tetrahedral

I think it is tetrahedral although the bond angles may not be exactly 109.5 degrees.

I agree

To determine the molecular geometry of trans-difluoroethylene (C2H2F2), you can follow these steps:

1. Draw the Lewis structure of the molecule, which you mentioned you already know how to do. The Lewis structure for trans-C2H2F2 is:

F F
\ /
C = C

2. Identify the central atom, which is carbon (C) in this case.

3. Count the number of regions of electron density around the central atom. Regions of electron density can include single bonds, multiple bonds, and lone pairs.

In trans-C2H2F2, there are two regions of electron density around the central carbon atom: one double bond and one single bond.

4. Based on the number of regions of electron density, determine the electron domain geometry.

Since there are two regions of electron density, the electron domain geometry is linear.

5. Finally, determine the molecular geometry by considering the presence of lone pairs and multiple bonds.

In trans-C2H2F2, there are no lone pairs around the central carbon atom, and the molecule is symmetrical. Therefore, the molecular geometry is also linear.

In summary, the molecular geometry of trans-difluoroethylene (trans-C2H2F2) is linear.

To determine the molecular geometry of trans-difluoroethylene (trans-C2H2F2) after drawing its Lewis structure, you can follow a simple procedure:

1. Begin by drawing the Lewis structure for trans-C2H2F2, taking into account the number of valence electrons available. In this case, carbon (C) has 4 valence electrons, hydrogen (H) has 1, and fluorine (F) has 7 each. So, we have a total of [(2 x 4) + (2 x 1) + (2 x 7)] = 24 valence electrons.

The Lewis structure is as follows, with the F atoms on opposite sides of the C-C double bond:
H C C H
| |
F F

2. Next, count the total number of electron groups (i.e., lone pairs and bonds) around the central atom. In this case, the central atom is carbon, and it is bonded to two other atoms (hydrogen and fluorine). Additionally, there are no lone pairs on carbon. Therefore, the total number of electron groups around carbon is 2.

3. To determine the molecular geometry, consider the electron group arrangement. In this case, the electron group arrangement is linear, with the two electron groups on opposite sides of the central atom.

4. Finally, determine the molecular geometry by considering only the positions of the atoms. Since there are only two atoms bonded to the central atom with no lone pairs, the molecular geometry is linear (not tetrahedral). The F atoms are on opposite sides of the central C-C bond.

So, in conclusion, the molecular geometry of trans-difluoroethylene (trans-C2H2F2) is linear, not tetrahedral.