The molecular geometry of the PF3 molecule is ________, and this molecule is _______

General
1

The molecular geometry of the PF3 molecule is ________, and this molecule is _______

2

The molecular geometry of the PF3 molecule is ________, and this molecule is _______

Answer: The molecular geometry of the PF3 molecule and its properties can be understood by applying VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory and considering its polarity. Let’s break down the analysis step by step:

1. Molecular Geometry

PF3 (Phosphorus Trifluoride):

  • Central Atom: Phosphorus (P)
  • Surrounding Atoms: Three Fluorine (F) atoms
  • Valence Electrons:
    • Phosphorus has 5 valence electrons.
    • Each Fluorine atom has 7 valence electrons.

Phosphorus has one lone pair and three bonding pairs of electrons around it.

Using VSEPR theory:

  • The electron geometry is tetrahedral, as there are four regions of electron density (three bonding pairs + one lone pair).
  • The molecular geometry, taking into account the lone pair, is trigonal pyramidal. This is because one of the positions in the tetrahedral arrangement is occupied by a lone pair, causing the bond angles to adjust to accommodate the extra space the lone pair occupies.

2. Polarity of PF3

Polarity Analysis:

  • Electronegativity:
    • Fluorine is highly electronegative (about 4.0 on the Pauling scale).
    • Phosphorus has lower electronegativity compared to Fluorine (about 2.1 on the Pauling scale).

The differences in electronegativity create polar bonds (P-F bonds).

  • Molecule Symmetry:
    • Despite the polar bonds, the shape of the molecule is not symmetrical due to the lone pair on the phosphorus atom.
    • This lack of symmetry means the dipole moments do not cancel out.

Therefore, PF3 is a polar molecule.

Summary

The molecular geometry of the PF3 molecule is trigonal pyramidal, and this molecule is polar.

This is how you would fill in the blanks:

1. The molecular geometry of the PF3 molecule is trigonal pyramidal, and this molecule is polar.

This explanation ensures a clear understanding of the molecular geometry and polarity of PF3, adhering to VSEPR theory and principles of chemical bonding and molecular polarity.