ACS Chemistry Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

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What is the predicted bond angle in a trigonal planar molecular geometry?

109.5º

120º

Trigonal planar molecular geometry is characterized by a central atom that is bonded to three other atoms positioned at the corners of an equilateral triangle. In this arrangement, the electron pairs around the central atom are evenly spaced to minimize repulsion, leading to a planar structure.

The ideal bond angle in this geometry is 120º. This angle arises from the need to keep the three bonding pairs of electrons as far apart from each other as possible. Since the shape is planar, there are no significant deviations from this angle due to lone pairs or other groups that could alter the spatial arrangement.

Understanding trigonal planar geometry is essential for predicting molecular behavior and reactivity in chemistry, as the symmetrical distribution of electron pairs influences properties such as polarity and intermolecular interactions.

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90º

180º

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