2.7 Molecular Shapes and Polarity

VSEPR: a model used, in chemistry, to predict the geometry of individual molecules from the number of electron pairs surrounding their central atoms

• valence shell electron pair repulsion

geometry: the shape of the overall molecule

lone pairs: electrons paired up within it's atom

Region of Bonding Electron Density: the areas where electrons are shared between two atoms; not number of bonds total

ionic molecular shape: crystal lattice

• grid-like arrangement alternating positively and negatively charged particles

polar molecule: asymmetrical distribution of charge

nonpolar molecule: symmetrical distribution of charge

polarity depends on lone pairs

• if unequal around the central atom; polar

• if equal around the central atom; nonpolar