What is the molecular geometry of $\mathrm{H}_3 \mathrm{O}^{+}$?

What is the molecular geometry of $\mathrm{H}_3 \mathrm{O}^{+}$?
  1. Trigonal pyramid
  2. Square planar
  3. Trigonal bipyramidal
  4. Trigonal planar

Solution

$\mathrm{H}_3 \mathrm{O}^{+}$has a molecular geometry of tetrahedral, since there are 4 regions of electron density surrounding the central $\mathrm{O}$ atom ( 3 hydrogens and 1 lone pair of electrons). The VSEPR shape would be trigonal pyramidal. Hence, the correct option is (1).

Asked in: AP EAMCET 2020 (22 Sep Shift 2)

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