Lesson 9: Molecular Geometry

Electron Geometry

describes the arrangement of bonds and lone pairs around a central atom

Molecular Geometry

describes the arrangement of atoms around the central atom with acknowledgement to only bonding electrons

Hybridization

orbitals are combined in order to spread out electrons

Bond Angles

the angles between adjacent bonds of an atom

Molecule Geometry (2)

it refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule and the angles between them. It’s determined by the number of atoms and lone pairs surrounding the central atom. This arrangment influences the overall shape of the molecule, which in turn affects its physical and chemical propertie.

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion(VSEPR) Theory

This theory is fundamental in predicting the molecular geometry of covalently bonded molecules. It states that electron pairs around a central atom repel each other and arrange themselves in a way the maximizes their distance, thus determining the shape of molecule.

Types of Configuration and Angles

Linear, Trigonal, Tetrahedral

Linear

Bonding attachments: 2, Bond Angle: 180 degrees

Trigonal

Bonding Attachments: 3, Bond Angle: 120 degrees

Tetrehedral

Bonding Attachments: 4, Bond Angle: 109.5 degrees

Few key pints to understand about molecular geometry:

Central Atom, Bonding Electron Pairs

Central Atom

In a molecule, one atom is often the central atom to which outer atoms are bonded. This central atom determines the molecular geometry

Bonding Electron Pairs

these are pairs of electrons involved in covalent bonds between atoms. They continue to the overall shape of the molecule

Linear Geometry

resembles a straight line and occurs when there are only two electron domains around the central atom

Tetrahedral Geometry

resembles a pyramid with a triangular base and occurs when there are four electron domains around the central atom

Trigonal Planar Geometry

it looks like a flat triangle and occurs when there are three electron domains around the central atom

Octahedral

it occurs when a central atom is bonded to six other atoms or groups of atoms, resulting in a shape resembling an octahedron, which is a three-dimensional figure with eight faces