What is the difference between electron geometry and molecular geometry?
Answer
560.7k+ views
Hint: Geometry of any molecule is determined on the basis of postulates proposed by VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Theory). According to VSEPR theory, the shape of any molecules depends upon the total number of valence electrons present to the central atom.
Complete Step By Step Answer:
VSEPR theory postulates that the shape of any molecules is affected by the presence of lone pair electrons as well as bonded electrons. However, the strength of repulsion between these electrons may vary depending upon their nature.
Some basic difference between molecular geometry and electron geometry are-
Example- molecule of methane $ C{H_4} $ contains four bonds between carbon atom and hydrogen atom and we already know that valency of carbon is $ 4 $ . Hence, all the valence electrons participate in bond formation and no lone pair electrons are present around the carbon atom. Finally, according to the molecular geometry molecule of $ C{H_4} $ oriented in tetrahedral shape.
Example- molecule of ammonia $ N{H_3} $ contains three bonds between nitrogen and hydrogen atom and we already know that the outermost shell of nitrogen contains $ 5 $ electrons. Hence, $ 3 $ electrons are used in bond formation and the remaining two electrons present around the nitrogen atom have lone pairs. Finally, according to the electron geometry molecule of $ N{H_3} $ oriented in trigonal pyramidal.
Note:
The strength of repulsion of electrons is in order:
lone pair-lone pair $ > $ lone pair- bond pair $ > $ bond pair – bond pair.
Hence, we can see that repulsion force is maximum in the case of lone pairs, therefore molecules change their geometry to attain stability in its geometry.
Complete Step By Step Answer:
VSEPR theory postulates that the shape of any molecules is affected by the presence of lone pair electrons as well as bonded electrons. However, the strength of repulsion between these electrons may vary depending upon their nature.
Some basic difference between molecular geometry and electron geometry are-
| PROPERTIES | MOLECULAR GEOMETRY | ELECTRON GEOMETRY |
| definition | It explains the arrangement of molecules around the central atom. | It explains the arrangement of electron pairs around the central atom. |
| Location of substituents | It gives the basic idea of location of molecules around the central atom. | It gives the basic idea of location of electrons around the central atom. |
| Nature of electrons | It is based upon the bonded electron pair in a compound. | It is based upon the bonded electron as well as lone pair electrons present in a compound. |
| Basic calculation | It includes calculation of bonded electrons around the central atom. | It includes calculation of total valence shell electrons around the central atom. |
Example- molecule of methane $ C{H_4} $ contains four bonds between carbon atom and hydrogen atom and we already know that valency of carbon is $ 4 $ . Hence, all the valence electrons participate in bond formation and no lone pair electrons are present around the carbon atom. Finally, according to the molecular geometry molecule of $ C{H_4} $ oriented in tetrahedral shape.
Example- molecule of ammonia $ N{H_3} $ contains three bonds between nitrogen and hydrogen atom and we already know that the outermost shell of nitrogen contains $ 5 $ electrons. Hence, $ 3 $ electrons are used in bond formation and the remaining two electrons present around the nitrogen atom have lone pairs. Finally, according to the electron geometry molecule of $ N{H_3} $ oriented in trigonal pyramidal.
Note:
The strength of repulsion of electrons is in order:
lone pair-lone pair $ > $ lone pair- bond pair $ > $ bond pair – bond pair.
Hence, we can see that repulsion force is maximum in the case of lone pairs, therefore molecules change their geometry to attain stability in its geometry.
Recently Updated Pages
If x a + bt + ct2 where x is in meters and t is in class 11 physics CBSE

A car covers the first half distance between two places class 11 physics CBSE

The resultant of two vectors overrightarrow P and overrightarrow class 11 physics CBSE

Find the value of cos 135 class 11 maths CBSE

A mass M is held in place by an applied force F and class 11 physics CBSE

A solution of glucose in water is labelled as 10 dfracwv class 11 chemistry CBSE

Trending doubts
Find the value of the expression given below sin 30circ class 11 maths CBSE

One Metric ton is equal to kg A 10000 B 1000 C 100 class 11 physics CBSE

Draw a diagram of nephron and explain its structur class 11 biology CBSE

10 examples of friction in our daily life

Proton was discovered by A Thomson B Rutherford C Chadwick class 11 chemistry CBSE

Bond order ofO2 O2+ O2 and O22 is in order A O2 langle class 11 chemistry CBSE

