Finding the Shape of Molecules
The geometry (shape) of molecules influences its properties and reactivity. VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) Theory provides a means to determine molecular geometry. We can count the number of atoms and electrons pairs attached to the central atom in a molecule and use a table to figure out the molecular shape.
More Help and Practice
- How to Find the Number of Valance Electrons in a Molecule
- How to Draw Lewis Structures in Five Easy Steps
- Lewis Structures Practice Problems
- How to Calculate Formal Charge
- Textbooks: ChemLibre, OpenStax, CK12
This simulation from PhET will let you get a "feel" for VSEPR. It maybe work best to visit their simulation directly for a larger version.
Basic Molecular Shapes
The table show the basic molecular geometries you should know for general chemistry. They can be determined by finding the steric number and number of lone pairs of electrons.
