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Question

What is the molecular shape and polarity of carbon tetrabromide, CBr4? CBr4 has a tetrahedral shape and is a nonpolar molecule. CBr4 is a T-shaped nonpolar molecule. CBr4 is a T-shaped polar molecule. CBr4 has a tetrahedral shape and is a polar molecule.

Asked By WhisperingWaves87 at

Answered By Expert

Beau

Expert · 3.2k answers · 3k people helped

Solution By Steps

Step 1: Lewis Structure of CBr4

To determine the shape and polarity, start by drawing the Lewis structure of CBr4. Carbon has 4 valence electrons, and bromine has 7. The Lewis structure will have a carbon atom in the center bonded to four bromine atoms.

Step 2: Electron Pair Arrangement

In CBr4, the carbon atom forms 4 single bonds with the bromine atoms, resulting in a tetrahedral electron pair arrangement around the central carbon atom.

Step 3: Molecular Shape

The tetrahedral electron pair arrangement leads to a tetrahedral molecular shape for CBr4.

Step 4: Polarity Determination

Since all the bonds in CBr4 are between carbon and bromine (both have similar electronegativities), the molecule is symmetrical, making it nonpolar.

Final Answer

CBr4 has a tetrahedral shape and is a nonpolar molecule.

Key Concept

Molecular Geometry

Key Concept Explanation

Molecular geometry describes the arrangement of atoms in a molecule. In the case of CBr4, its tetrahedral shape results from the arrangement of its electron pairs around the central carbon atom. The symmetry of the molecule, due to identical bonds and a symmetrical arrangement, leads to its nonpolar nature.