What is the molecular geometry of ozone, O3? Group of answer choices bent trigonal pyramidal tetrahedral not enough information linear
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
ChatGPT said:
The correct answer is: bent
Explanation
Ozone (O₃) is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms. To determine its molecular geometry, we must analyze its Lewis structure and apply the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory, which helps predict the shape of a molecule based on electron pair repulsion around the central atom.
Step 1: Lewis Structure
Oxygen has six valence electrons. For O₃:
- Total valence electrons: 3 × 6 = 18 electrons
- The typical Lewis structure of O₃ shows one double bond and one single bond between the central oxygen and the two terminal oxygen atoms.
- A lone pair of electrons is on the central oxygen atom, and resonance structures exist because the double bond can be on either side.
Step 2: Electron Domains
In the most stable resonance structure:
- The central oxygen is bonded to two other oxygen atoms (2 bonding domains).
- It also has one lone pair (1 non-bonding domain).
So, there are three electron domains around the central atom.
Step 3: Electron Geometry and Molecular Shape
According to VSEPR theory:
- Three electron domains → trigonal planar electron geometry.
- However, the molecular geometry only considers the positions of atoms, not lone pairs.
- With two atoms and one lone pair around the central atom, the molecular geometry is bent.
Step 4: Bond Angle
Due to the lone pair, the bond angle is slightly less than 120° (about 117°), typical for bent molecules with trigonal planar electron geometry.
Conclusion:
Although ozone has a trigonal planar electron geometry, its molecular geometry is bent due to the lone pair on the central oxygen atom. This bent shape contributes to the molecule’s dipole moment and reactivity, especially in atmospheric chemistry.
