Shapes of molecules

Question 1

how do we predict the shape of small molecules

Answer 1

Valence shell electron pair (VSEPR) theory

Question 2

what does the vsepr theory state

Answer 2

electron pairs will arrange themselves so that they are as far away as possible from other pairs, lone pairs of electrons repel bond pairs more than bond pairs repel other bond pairs

Question 3

lone pairs

Answer 3

pairs of electrons not involved in covalent bonding

Question 4

bond pairs

Answer 4

pairs of electrons involved in covalent bonding

Question 5

shapes of small molecules

Answer 5

tetrahedral, pyramidal, v shaped/ bent, linear, triangle planar

Question 6

tetrahedral shape

Answer 6

one central atom single bonded to 4 other atoms, can be polar/nonpolar

Question 7

trigonal planar shape

Answer 7

one central atom bonded to 3 other atoms, can be polar/nonpolar

Question 8

linear shape

Answer 8

a straight line of bonded atoms (usually 2/3)

Question 9

pyramidal

Answer 9

a central atom bonded to 3 other atoms, with 1/2 pairs of non-bonding electtrons, polar

Question 10

angular/bent shape

Answer 10

one atom bonded to two ooother atoms, polar