Lewis Structures

[Juno Suzuki 3B]

Are these 3d diagrams the actual shape of molecules? Or predictions?
I just find it fascinating how atoms and molecules are so minuscule, yet people were/are able to work out physical shape, predictions about electron position, bonding numbers, etc.

[Ya Gao]

I think the 3d diagrams are the actual shape of the electron orbitals because they are based on mathematical equations. Hope it helps.

[sahiltelang-Discussion 1J]

The d orbital is a wave function that is derived from Schrodinger's equation. Based off of this periodic function, we are able to model the d orbital spatially.

[Jorge Gomez3F]

I think the 3d models of molecules are the actual shape based on mathematical functions and i assume experiments that may have been used to accurately predict the location of an atom in the molecule. Hope this helps

[snehabhargava]

This is the actually shape of the orbital with a 3d shape. It has been determined by flashing light.

[Nora 1F]

Just to clarify, Lewis structures deal with a two-dimensional representation of molecules, so they themselves are not the actual 3D shape. Rather, the VSEPR model is used for this and Lewis structures are useful for counting regions of high electron density when working with the VSEPR model.

[Daniel Rivas 3L]

I think it is an actual representation of it. I think we can see molecule shapes through electron microscopes or some other microscope.