IB Chemistry S2.2 The covalent model: practice questions

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S2.2-01 · Paper 1A style · multiple choice · 1 mark · HL

Shape with five electron domains

For chlorine trifluoride, ClF₃, which row gives the electron domain geometry and then the molecular geometry? [1]

1. Trigonal bipyramidal; T-shaped
2. Trigonal bipyramidal; trigonal planar
3. Octahedral; T-shaped
4. Tetrahedral; trigonal pyramidal

Show the answer and the reasoning

Answer: A. A is correct. Cl has 7 valence electrons: 3 form bonds to F and 4 make two lone pairs, so there are 5 electron domains (trigonal bipyramidal). The two lone pairs take equatorial positions, leaving the three F atoms in a T shape. B ignores the lone pairs when naming the molecular shape. C counts six domains. D stops at an octet, which Cl exceeds here.

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The 16 questions in S2.2

1. S2.2-01 Shape with five electron domainsPaper 1A style · multiple choice · 1 mark · HL
2. S2.2-02 Geometry around two atomsPaper 1A style · multiple choice · 1 mark
3. S2.2-03 Ordering bond anglesPaper 1A style · multiple choice · 1 mark
4. S2.2-04 Which molecules are polarPaper 1A style · multiple choice · 1 mark
5. S2.2-05 Why water boils so highPaper 1A style · multiple choice · 1 mark
6. S2.2-06 Reading a thin-layer chromatogramPaper 1A style · multiple choice · 1 mark
7. S2.2-07 Counting sigma and pi bondsPaper 1A style · multiple choice · 1 mark · HL
8. S2.2-08 Hybridization in propanonePaper 1A style · multiple choice · 1 mark · HL
9. S2.2-09 Formal charge in sulfatePaper 1A style · multiple choice · 1 mark · HL
10. S2.2-10 Spotting coordination bondsPaper 1A style · multiple choice · 1 mark
11. S2.2-11 Separating leaf pigmentsPaper 1B style · data-based · 7 marks
12. S2.2-12 Resonance in the carbonate ionPaper 2 style · structured question · 4 marks · HL
13. S2.2-13 Boiling points of three similar moleculesPaper 2 style · structured question · 5 marks
14. S2.2-14 Shapes and polarity of two fluoridesPaper 2 style · structured question · 5 marks
15. S2.2-15 Sigma and pi bonds in methanalPaper 2 style · structured question · 5 marks · HL
16. S2.2-16 Giant and molecular structuresPaper 2 style · structured question · 5 marks

More of S2 Models of bonding and structure

• S2.1 The ionic model
• S2.3 The metallic model
• S2.4 From models to materials

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Every Biology and Chemistry question here is original, written for practice in the style of the papers set since the 2025 syllabus, with invented data. Developed independently from the International Baccalaureate Organization, which has not endorsed it. Found a mistake? Email vytis@limeadmissions.com with the question id.