On the basis of VSEPR theory, predict the shapes of the following molecules :
` SiCl_4`

Explanation

`SiCl_(4)`: In this molecule, Si si the central atom `(1s^(2), 2s^(2), 2p^(6), 3s^(2), 2p^(2))`. It has four valence electrons. Thus, it has only four bond pairs and no lone pairs. It shares its 4 valence electrons with each of the four chlorine atoms, thus molecule acquires a tetrahedron shape. It has silicon at the centre which is covalently bonded to the four chlorine atoms at four vertices of a tetrahedron. The bond angle is `109^(@)28`.