Question

Question #76f5c

Answer 1

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 :

Hope it Helps :)