Electron Pair and Molecular Geometry

GOAL(s):

• Define common terms used when determining molecular shape.
• Predict electron pair geometry from Lewis dot structures.
• Predict molecular geometry.

Earlier we learned that in a glass of water, each water molecule has shape. In fact, that water is a molecule that forms a bent shape of about 104 degrees. How do we know that water is bent?

In this portion of the tutorial, you will learn how to predict the shape of a variety of molecules, using VSEPR Theory. The molecules in this part of the tutorial will have only one central atom. Later on, we'll learn to apply VSEPR Theory to larger molecules.

Read on to learn more!