Skip to main content
Ch.11 - Chemical Bonding II: Molecular Shapes, VSEPR & MO Theory
Tro - Chemistry: A Molecular Approach 5th Edition
Tro5th EditionChemistry: A Molecular ApproachISBN: 9780134874371Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksTro 5th EditionCh.11 - Chemical Bonding II: Molecular Shapes, VSEPR & MO TheoryProblem 53b
Chapter 11, Problem 53b

The valence electron configurations of several atoms are shown here. How many bonds can each atom make without hybridization? b. P 3s23p3

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the number of valence electrons for phosphorus (P) from its electron configuration.
The electron configuration for phosphorus is 3s^2 3p^3, indicating 5 valence electrons.
Determine the number of unpaired electrons in the valence shell, which are available for bonding.
In the 3p subshell, there are 3 electrons, which means there are 3 unpaired electrons.
Conclude that phosphorus can form 3 bonds without hybridization, as it has 3 unpaired electrons available for bonding.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
6m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the outermost electrons of an atom and are crucial in determining how an atom can bond with others. The number of valence electrons influences the atom's ability to form bonds, as these electrons are involved in chemical reactions and bond formation.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:12
Transition Metals Valence Electrons

Bonding Capacity

The bonding capacity of an atom refers to the maximum number of bonds it can form with other atoms. This is determined by the number of unpaired valence electrons; for example, an atom with five valence electrons can typically form three bonds, as it can share its unpaired electrons with other atoms.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:19
Heat Capacity

Hybridization

Hybridization is a concept in chemistry that describes the mixing of atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals, which can influence the geometry and bonding properties of molecules. However, the question specifies 'without hybridization,' meaning we focus solely on the existing valence electron configuration to determine bonding capacity.
Recommended video:
Guided course
00:51
Hybridization
Related Practice
Textbook Question

The valence electron configurations of several atoms are shown here. How many bonds can each atom make without hybridization? c. O 2s22p4

Textbook Question

The valence electron configurations of several atoms are shown here. How many bonds can each atom make without hybridization? a. Be 2s2

Textbook Question

Determine whether each molecule is polar or nonpolar. a. SiCl4 b. CF2Cl2 c. SeF6 d. IF5

Textbook Question

The valence electron configurations of several atoms are shown here. How many bonds can each atom make without hybridization? c. F 2s22p5

Textbook Question

Determine whether each molecule is polar or nonpolar. c. BrCl5

1
views
Textbook Question

The valence electron configurations of several atoms are shown here. How many bonds can each atom make without hybridization? a. B 2s22p1 b. N 2s22p3

1
views