The shape of H3C+ is best described as?
planar
supper
To determine the shape of H3C+, we need to use VSEPR theory (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory).
1. Determine the Lewis structure:
First, we need to determine the Lewis structure of H3C+ (also known as a methyl cation).
H3C+ consists of three hydrogen atoms bonded to a carbon atom with a positive charge, so the structure is:
H - C+ - H - H
2. Count the total number of electron groups:
Each line represents a bond, and each pair of electrons represents a lone pair or a bond.
In H3C+, we have three hydrogen-carbon bonds and no lone pairs.
Therefore, the total number of electron groups is 3.
3. Determine the electron geometry:
Based on the total number of electron groups, we can determine the electron geometry of H3C+.
Since there are only three electron groups, the electron geometry is trigonal planar.
4. Determine the molecular geometry:
To determine the molecular geometry, we consider only the positions of the atoms (ignoring lone pairs).
In H3C+, there are no lone pairs.
Therefore, the molecular geometry of H3C+ is also trigonal planar.
In summary, the shape of H3C+ is best described as trigonal planar.