DP Chemistry (first assessment 2025)
Question 22N.1A.HL.TZ0.11
| Date | November 2022 | Marks available | [Maximum mark: 1] | Reference code | 22N.1A.HL.TZ0.11 |
| Level | HL | Paper | 1A | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Determine | Question number | 11 | Adapted from | N/A |
11.
[Maximum mark: 1]
22N.1A.HL.TZ0.11
Which molecule has a tetrahedral molecular geometry?
A. HNO3
B. SF4
C. XeF4
D. XeO4
[1]
Markscheme
D
Examiners report
Less than half of the candidates were able to identify XeO4 as having a tetrahedral shape and there was a strong link with overall performance. Nitric acid was the most commonly chosen distractor and the fact that XeF4 was the least favoured seems to indicate that students are well aware of its unusual geometry.
Syllabus sections
Structure 2. Models of bonding and structure » Structure 2.2—The covalent model » Structure 2.2.13—Some atoms can form molecules in which they have an expanded octet of electrons. Visually represent Lewis formulas for species with five and six electron domains around the central atom. Deduce the electron domain geometry and the molecular geometry for these species using the VSEPR model.