(03.05 LC) A molecule has three bonded atoms around the central atom. The central atom does
not have any lone pairs. What is the geometry of the molecule? (5 points)
Bent
Linear
Trigonal planar
Tetrahedral

Trigonal planar

Explanation:

The valence shell electron pair repulsion theory VSEPR theory gives the shapes of molecules based on the number of electron pairs on the valence shell of the central atom in the molecule.

When there are three bonding groups around the central atom and there is no lone pair, the bonding groups arrange themselves at an angle of 120 degrees around the central atom at the corners of a triangle.

This is called the trigonal planar geometry