W

[905022356]

I understand W = number of arrangements ^number of atoms, but how do we determine the number of arrangements?

[Priyanka Bhakta 1L]

Either the question will tell you how many possible states there are, or it will be a simple enough molecule for us to draw out the Lewis structure and determine for ourselves how many possible states there are.

[905022356]

But, I know it might not be asked on the exam, Im just wondering, how do we determine the number of arrangements? for example CO can be arranged as CO and OC, but it can also be vertically arranged with O on top and C in the bottom and vice versa. What about the z plane? and all of the other planes?