The shape of the XeO 3 molecule is:

Answer: Pyramidal.

A Trigonal planar
B Square planar
C Pyramidal
D T-shaped

Correct answer: C. Pyramidal

Explanation: In XeO<sub>3</sub>, xenon is sp<sup>3</sup> hybridised with three bond pairs and one lone pair, giving a pyramidal (trigonal pyramidal) shape.

Xenon tetrafluoride XeF4: a central xenon bonded to four fluorine atoms in a square-planar arrangement with two lone pairs above and below, Xe-F bond length 194 pm.

Xenon tetrafluoride (XeF₄) has six electron domains around xenon — four Xe–F bonds plus two lone pairs. The lone pairs occupy opposite axial positions, leaving the four fluorine atoms in a square-planar shape (Xe–F ≈ 194 pm). Image: ChemSim, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Concept context

Covers the nitrogen family (Group 15), oxygen family (Group 16), halogens (Group 17), and noble gases (Group 18). One of the highest-weightage inorganic chapters in NEET and JEE - includes preparation and properties of HNO₃, H₂SO₄, interhalogens, and xenon compounds.

Read the full p-Block Elements (Groups 15 to 18) notes →

The shape of the XeO<sub>3</sub> molecule is:

Concept context

More p-Block Elements (Groups 15 to 18) questions