Molecular Geometry Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for key terms related to electron domain geometry and molecular shapes.

Electron Domain

A region around an atom in which electrons are likely to be found.

Bonding Domains

Regions where electrons are shared between atoms, forming a bond.

Nonbonding Domains

Regions where electrons are not shared, but remain as lone pairs on an atom.

Molecular Geometry

The three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule.

Linear Geometry

A molecular geometry with atoms arranged in a straight line (180° bond angle).

Trigonal Planar Geometry

A molecular geometry with three atoms arranged around a central atom in a flat, triangular shape (120° bond angle).

Bent Geometry

A molecular geometry where the atoms are not in a straight line due to lone pairs on the central atom.

Tetrahedral Geometry

A molecular geometry with four atoms arranged around a central atom in a tetrahedral shape (109.5° bond angle).

Trigonal Pyramidal Geometry

A molecular geometry with three atoms and a lone pair arranged around a central atom in a pyramidal shape.

Trigonal Bipyramidal Geometry

A molecular geometry with five atoms arranged around a central atom, with three in a plane and two axial (120° and 90° bond angles).

Seesaw Geometry

A molecular geometry derived from trigonal bipyramidal with one equatorial position occupied by a lone pair.

T-shaped Geometry

A molecular geometry derived from trigonal bipyramidal with two equatorial positions occupied by lone pairs.

Octahedral Geometry

A molecular geometry with six atoms arranged symmetrically around a central atom (90° bond angle).

Square Pyramidal Geometry

A molecular geometry derived from octahedral with one position occupied by a lone pair.

Square Planar Geometry

A molecular geometry derived from octahedral with two positions occupied by lone pairs, arranged trans to each other.