How do you determine the shape of molecule?

Molecular shape is based on VSEPR Theory which states that electrons in lone pairs repel other electrons in lone pairs the most. Electrons in lone pairs repel electrons in bonding pairs less and electrons in bonding pairs repel other electrons in bonding pairs the least. To determine a molecules shape: Work out which is the central atom and how many electrons it has in its outer shell (this is the same as the group it is in) Add the number of bonds being formed Divide by two to find the total number of electron pairs Take away the number of bonds formed to work out the number of lone pairs of electrons From the number of bonding and lone pairs find the corresponding shape.

DS
Answered by Daniel S. Chemistry tutor

6723 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

a) How can an element be classified as a transition metal, considering only electronic arrangement? (1 mark) b) In terms of electrons, why is aqueous copper(II) sulphate solution red? (3 marks) c) EDTA is a bidentate ligand. What is a bidentate ligand?(2)


Using principles of structure and bonding, explain why sulfur has a higher melting point than phosphorus


Name and draw the mechanism by which benzene reacts with ethanoyl chloride in the presence of a catalyst. Also explain why benzene undergoes a substitution reaction, rather than an addition reaction.


What's the difference between covalent and ionic bonding?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning