AP Chem Molecular Geometry

Flashcards about VSEPR Theory

Lone Pairs

Atoms that are not bonded to other atoms.

Molecular Geometry

Touching atoms in a molecule determine its geometry.

Angle

The angle between bonded atoms.

Tetrahedral

Four bonded atoms, no lone pairs, and a bond angle of 109.5°, sp3

Trigonal Pyramidal

three bonded atoms and one lone pair, bond angle of approximately 109.5°, sp3

Bent

two bonded atoms and two lone pairs, bond angle of approximately 109.5°, sp3

Trigonal Planar

three bonded atoms, zero lone pairs, bond angle of 120°, sp2

Bent / Angular

Molecular geometry with two bonded atoms and one lone pair, resulting in a bond angle of approximately 120°.

Linear

Two bonded atoms, no lone pairs, and a bond angle of 180°, sp

Trigonal Bipyramidal

Five bonded atoms, no lone pairs, and bond angles are 90° & 120°, sp3d

See-saw

Four bonded atoms, one lone pair, and bond angles are ~90° & 120°, sp3d

T-shaped

3 bonded atoms, two lone pairs, and bond angles of 90°, sp3d

Octahedral

6 bonded atoms, no lone pairs and bond angles of 90°, sp3d2

Square Pyramidal

5 bonds, one lone pair, bond angles of ~90°, sp3d2

Square Planar

4 bonded atoms, two lone pairs, and bond angles of 90°, sp3d2