Determine the shape of each of the following species. 

(a) P O ₄ ^3–, 

(b) PCl₅ 

Strategy Draw the Lewis structures. Each of these molecules has only single bonds around its central atom. So we can count the number of bonding pairs around the central atom and assign the geometry by consulting Table 7.3 as needed.

Table 7.3

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Each of the geometrical arrangements shown in the table minimizes the electron pair repulsions for the indicated number of electron pairs. To visualize the shapes of molecules, it is essential that you have a sound mental picture of each of these geometries. Number of Electron Pairs 2 3 5 6 Geometric Name Linear Trigonal planar Tetrahedral Bond Angles Octahedral 180° 120° 109.5⁰ Trigonal bipyramidal 120°, 90° 90⁰, 180° Diagram 180° 90° 2: Linear 3: Trigonal planar 120⁰ 4: Tetrahedral 90% 109.5° 5: Trigonal bipyramidal 6: Octahedral -120° -90°