Molecular Geometry Comparison: SeO₃²⁻, SO₃, and NO₃⁻

Which molecule or ion has the same molecular geometry as SeO₃²⁻? Both SO₃ and NO₃⁻ share the same molecular geometry as SeO₃²⁻, which is trigonal planar. This geometry results from the electron pair arrangements that minimize repulsion between electron pairs.

When determining the molecular geometry that is similar to SeO₃²⁻, it is essential to consider the shapes based on the VSEPR theory. SeO₃²⁻ exhibits a trigonal planar geometry. This specific geometry is a result of the electron pair arrangement around the central selenium atom, which leads to a shape that minimizes the repulsion between the electron pairs.

Let's analyze the different options provided:

SO₃:

Sulfur trioxide (SO₃) has a trigonal planar geometry with sp² hybridization and does not contain any lone pairs on the sulfur atom, making it similar to SeO₃²⁻.

SeO₃:

Selenous acid molecule (SeO₃) has a pyramidal shape due to the presence of a lone pair on the selenium atom, making it different from SeO₃²⁻.

SO₃²⁻:

Sulfite ion (SO₃²⁻) also features a trigonal pyramidal geometry due to the presence of one lone pair on the sulfur atom.

CO₃²⁻:

Carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻) possesses a trigonal planar shape similar to SeO₃²⁻, but the central atom in this case is carbon.

NO₃⁻:

Nitrate ion (NO₃⁻) showcases a trigonal planar shape with no lone pairs located on the nitrogen center, which is also similar to SeO₃²⁻.

Based on the analysis, both SO₃ and NO₃⁻ share the same molecular geometry as SeO₃²⁻.

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