MCAT General Chemistry Question 256: Answer and Explanation

Home > MCAT Test > MCAT general chemistry practice tests

Test Information

Use your browser's back button to return to your test results.
Do more MCAT general chemistry practice tests.

Question: 256

5. In VSEPR theory, T-shaped is a sub-class of the trigonal bipyramidal geometric family in which the central atom has exactly three atoms bound to it and two lone pairs of electrons. Which of the following molecules is T-shaped?

A. SF₄
B. NH₃
C. BrCl₃
D. FO₃^-

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

C As the question states, T-shaped molecules have trigonal bipyramidal orbital geometry because of its three bonded and two lone pairs of electrons around the central atom. SF₄ has four atoms bound so it cannot be T-shaped, eliminating choice A. Both FO₃^- and NH₃ have three atoms bound to their central atoms and one lone pair, so they have trigonal pyramidal molecular geometries, eliminating choices B and D. BrCl₃ has three atoms bound to it and two lone pairs, making choice C the correct answer.

Previous Next