Molecular Geometry

Question 1

determine molecular geometry: basic steps

Answer 1

determine the steric number

determine the geometry based on the number of bonds and lone pairs

Question 2

steric number

Answer 2

the number of “electron dense areas” around a central atom

lone pairs or bonds (whether single, double, or triple)

Question 3

molecular geometry: steric # 2, no lone pairs

Answer 3

linear

180° bond angle

Question 4

molecular geometry: steric # 3, no lone pairs

Answer 4

trigonal planar

120° bond angle

Question 5

molecular geometry: steric # 3, 1 lone pair

Answer 5

bent

<180° bond angle

Question 6

molecular geometry: steric # 4, no lone pairs

Answer 6

tetrahedral

109.5° bond angle

Question 7

molecular geometry: steric # 4, 1 lone pair

Answer 7

trigonal pyramidal

109.5° bond angle

Question 8

molecular geometry: steric # 4, 2 lone pairs

Answer 8

bent

<109.5° bond angle

Question 9

ideal bond angle: linear electron pair geometry

Answer 9

180 degrees

Question 10

ideal bond angle: trigonal planar electron pair geometry

Answer 10

120 degrees

Question 11

ideal bond angle: trigonal planar electron pair geometry

Answer 11

120 degrees

Question 12

ideal bond angle: tetrahedral electron pair geometry

Answer 12

109.5 degrees