Question #76f5c

1 Answer
Nov 10, 2016

First, it is a concept of VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory) .

Explanation:

Hydronium ion is [H3O]+.
So, here the central atom is Oxygen(O).

Since, there is +ve charge on the entire ion, so it is better to consider the +ve charge to be on O atom.

Now, O+ has 5 valence electrons. Out of 5 electrons, 3 will be shared by the three H atoms and other two electrons form one lone pair.

So, In total, there are 3 bond pairs and 1 lone pair on O atom.

So, it's distribution is TETRAHEDRAL , and the shape is Trigonal PYRAMIDAL in order to allow least possible repulsions.

So, lewis structure and shape of Hydronium ion is :
Brooks
Hope it Helps :)