Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Both XeF ₄ and SF ₄ have the same molecular geometry because their central atoms are bonded to four fluorine atoms. Reason (R): The central atom in XeF ₄ is sp^3d^2 hybridized with two lone pairs, whereas the central atom in SF ₄ is sp^3d hybridized with one lone pair. In the light of the above sta

Step-by-step solution

Assertion (A) is incorrect because XeF ₄ and SF ₄ have different molecular geometries. XeF ₄ has a square planar geometry, while SF ₄ has a see-saw geometry. Reason (R) is correct. In XeF ₄ , Xenon has 8 valence electrons. Forming 4 single bonds with F leaves 4 non-bonding electrons (2 lone pairs). The steric number is 4 + 2 = 6 , corresponding to sp^3d^2 hybridization. In SF ₄ , Sulphur has 6 valence electrons. Forming 4 single bonds with F leaves 2 non-bonding electrons (1 lone pair). The steric number is 4 + 1 =