For the molecules SiH4 and CSe2

For the molecules SiH4 and CSe2, give
total number of valence electrons present
Lewis structure
electron and molecular geometry
bond angle
polarity of molecule

The Correct Answer and Explanation is :

Let’s analyze the molecules SiH₄ (silane) and CSe₂ (carbon diselenide) in terms of their valence electrons, Lewis structures, electron and molecular geometries, bond angles, and polarity.

SiH₄ (Silane):

  • Valence Electrons: – Silicon (Si): 4 valence electrons – Hydrogen (H): 1 valence electron per atom × 4 atoms = 4 valence electrons – Total: 4 (Si) + 4 (H) = 8 valence electrons
  • Lewis Structure: – Silicon is the central atom, forming single bonds with four hydrogen atoms. – Each Si-H bond involves two electrons, utilizing all 8 valence electrons.
  • Electron and Molecular Geometry:Electron Geometry: Tetrahedral, as there are four bonding pairs around the central silicon atom. – Molecular Geometry: Tetrahedral, since there are no lone pairs on silicon.
  • Bond Angle: – Approximately 109.5°, characteristic of a tetrahedral arrangement.
  • Polarity: – The Si-H bonds are slightly polar due to the difference in electronegativity between Si and H. – However, the symmetrical tetrahedral shape causes the individual dipoles to cancel out, resulting in a nonpolar molecule.
    CSe₂ (Carbon Diselenide):
  • Valence Electrons: – Carbon (C): 4 valence electrons – Selenium (Se): 6 valence electrons per atom × 2 atoms = 12 valence electrons – Total: 4 (C) + 12 (Se) = 16 valence electrons
  • Lewis Structure: – Carbon is the central atom, forming double bonds with two selenium atoms. – Each double bond uses 4 electrons, totaling 8 electrons. – The remaining 8 electrons are placed as lone pairs on the selenium atoms.
  • Electron and Molecular Geometry:Electron Geometry: Linear, as there are two regions of electron density (the two double bonds) around the central carbon atom. – Molecular Geometry: Linear, since there are no lone pairs on carbon.
  • Bond Angle: – 180°, characteristic of a linear arrangement.
  • Polarity: – The C=Se bonds are polar due to the difference in electronegativity between carbon and selenium. – The linear shape causes the dipoles to cancel out, resulting in a nonpolar molecule.
    For a visual explanation of SiH₄’s molecular geometry and bond angles, you might find the following video helpful:

videoSiH₄ Molecular Geometry, Bond Anglesturn0search0

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