NEET 2026 Physics and Chemistry Paper

Concept:$\mathrm{ClF}_3$ has 5 electron pairs around the central chlorine atom (3 bond pairs, 2 lone pairs) according to VSEPR theory.Chemical Equation / Formula:$\mathrm{ClF}_3$ → Central atom Cl with 7 valence electrons, each F contributes 1 electron, plus 1 extra electron from the negative charge? Actually neutral: Cl has 7 valence e⁻, each F contributes 1, total 10 e⁻ = 5 pairs. 3 bond pairs with F, 2 lone pairs on Cl.Explanation:The central Cl atom in $\mathrm{ClF}_3$ undergoes $sp^3d$ hybridization.The five electron pairs arrange in a trigonal bipyramidal geometry.The two lone pairs occupy equatorial positions to minimise repulsion.The three F atoms occupy the remaining positions, giving a T-shaped molecular geometry.Thus, the molecule has a T-shape with two lone pairs on Cl.Shortcut:VSEPR type $AX_3E_2$ (A = central atom, X = bonded atoms, E = lone pairs) always gives T-shaped geometry.Answer:Option A is correct: It has T-shaped geometry with two lone pairs on Cl atom.