Question

The shape of a molecule is tetrahedral. How many lone pairs are most likely on the central atom?

zero
two
three
four

Answer 1

The number of lone pairs that are most likely found on the central atom is zero. There are no lone pairs found on the central atom.

Answer 2

Answer: Zero lone pairs on the central atom.

Explanation:

• Lone pairs and bond pairs together decides the geometry of the molecule.
• Bond pairs  together decides the shape of the molecule.

The molecule is with with tetrahedral shape which means that molecule has a tetrahedral geometry.

The value of number of electrons around the central atom with tetrahedral geometry according to VESPR theory is '4'. Which means that electrons around the central atom are 4.

Since, the molecule is in tetrahedral shape which means four bonds are pointing in direction towards the four vertices of tetrahedral which means their are zero lone pair present on the central atom.