Chemistry: Atoms First (2nd Edition)

Published by Cengage Learning
ISBN 10: 1305079248
ISBN 13: 978-1-30507-924-3

Chapter 4 - Exercises - Page 197a: 21

Answer

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Work Step by Step

a. $SeO_{3}$: The molecular structure of $SeO_{3}$ is trigonal planar. The selenium (Se) atom is the central atom, and it forms three equal bonds with the three oxygen (O) atoms. The bond angles between the oxygen atoms are 120 degrees. b. $SeO_{2}$: The molecular structure of $SeO_{2}$ is a hybrid between sp2 and sp3 hybridization. The selenium (Se) atom is the central atom, and it forms two bonds with the two oxygen (O) atoms. The bond angles are not exactly 120 degrees or 109.5 degrees, but rather a combination of the two, depending on the relative electronegativities of the atoms and the bond strengths.
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