Answer: CO and N2 (both have 14 electrons and triple bonds).
- A CO and N2 (both have 14 electrons and triple bonds)
- B CO2 and NO2, despite differing electron counts and bond orders
- C H2O and H2S, despite sulfur's much larger atomic radius
- D NaCl and KCl, despite potassium having more electrons than sodium
Correct answer: A. CO and N2 (both have 14 electrons and triple bonds)
Explanation: CO has 14 electrons (6+8) and N2 also has 14 electrons (7+7); both have triple bonds and are isoelectronic.
VSEPR theory predicts molecular shape from the number of bonding and lone electron pairs around the central atom.
Concept context
Understand how atoms join to form molecules. Covers ionic and covalent bonding, VSEPR theory, hybridization (sp, sp², sp³), molecular orbital theory, bond polarity, and intermolecular forces like hydrogen bonding.
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