Molecular Geometry

Overview

Link to Experience: Molecular Geometry

Topics: chemistry, VESPR, electron arrangement, molecular geometry

Grades: 9-12

Standards:

Duration to complete: 5-7 minutes

Learning outcome: Students will be introduced to VESPR Theory. They will understand the different types of electron-pair and molecular geometry depending on how lone pairs and outer atoms arrange around a central atom. This serves as an introduction to VESPR theory.

In the Classroom

Pre-Experience (Things to Look Out For):

• How can atoms arrange themselves around a central atom to maximize the distance between them?

• Think about how electrons repel each other. How would this impact how electron-dense areas are arranged around a central atom?

Post-Experience (Things to Think About):

• How is the electron-pair arrangement different from the molecular geometry?

• How do the number of electron-dense areas affect the molecular geometry?

• How do the number of lone pairs affect the molecular geometry?

• What angles do you notice in different types of molecular geometry?