The compound `MX_(4)` is tetrahedral. The number of `angleXMX` angles formed in the compound is

Options

A. Three
B. Four
C. Five
D. Six

Answer

To determine the number of XMX angles formed in the tetrahedral compound MX₄, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Geometry of the Compound
The compound MX₄ has a tetrahedral geometry. In a tetrahedral shape, the central atom (M) is surrounded by four identical atoms (X) at the corners of a tetrahedron.

**Hint:** Remember that tetrahedral geometry is characterized by bond angles of approximately 109.5°.

### Step 2: Identify the Central Atom and Surrounding Atoms
In the compound MX₄:
- M is the central atom.
- There are four X atoms surrounding M.

**Hint:** Visualizing the tetrahedral shape can help in understanding the arrangement of the atoms.

### Step 3: Determine the Number of XMX Angles
Each pair of X atoms forms an angle with the central atom M. Since there are four X atoms, we can calculate the number of unique XMX angles formed.

To find the number of XMX angles, we can use the combination formula:
- The number of ways to choose 2 X atoms from 4 is given by the combination formula C(n, r), where n is the total number of atoms and r is the number of atoms to choose.

Using the formula:
\[ C(4, 2) = \frac{4!}{2!(4-2)!} = \frac{4 \times 3}{2 \times 1} = 6 \]

Thus, there are 6 unique XMX angles formed in the compound.

**Hint:** Remember that each angle is formed by selecting any two of the four surrounding atoms.

### Conclusion
The total number of XMX angles formed in the tetrahedral compound MX₄ is **6**.

**Final Answer:** 6