Question #76f5c

1 Answer
Nov 10, 2016

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

Explanation:

Hydronium ion is #color(red)([H_3O]^+)#.
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, #color(red)(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 #color(blue)(3)# bond pairs and #color(blue)(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 :)