Shapes of Molecules

Shapes of Molecules

1. Straight line- represents a bond in the plane of the paper. Dotted line- represents a bond in a direction behind the plane of the paper. Wedge- represents a bond in a direction in front of the plane of the paper.

2. Tetrahedral

   • Angle- 109. This is because there are four areas of electron density. This includes lone pairs as well.

3. Linear

   • Angle- 180. There are two areas of electron density.

4. Planar triangle

   • Angle- 120. There are three areas of electron density.

5. Bipyramidal

   • Angles- approx 90-120, depending on their position within the molecule. There are five ares of electron density.

6. Exam Tip- Always refer to how many electron densities there are and whether there are any lone pairs. You need to mention the correct bond angle for a molecule. ELECTRONS ALWAYS WANT TO BE AS FAR AWAY FROM EACH OTHER AS POSSIBLE!!!