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How do you utilize the VSEPR model?

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2018 11:45 pm
by Jackie Ngo 1C
In my notes from Lavelle's lecture, it says that the "VSEPR Model explains experimentally observed shape of molecules," but how so? I have a whole chart with arrows pointing down but I'm not exactly sure what it means. If someone can decipher / elaborate on it, that'd be great!!

Re: How do you utilize the VSEPR model?

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2018 11:52 pm
by Haowen_Liang_3E
Basically you count the numbers of bond pairs and lone pairs a molecule has, then look at the chart to find the corresponding molecular shape.
For example a molecule with 2 bonds and 0 lone pairs is corresponded to the "linear" shape.

Re: How do you utilize the VSEPR model?

Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2018 2:27 am
by Linh Vo 2J
I would like to add on that this also works vice-versa, which means that if you know the shape of the molecule or compound, you are able to figure out its bond pairs and lone pairs. Thus, the VSEPR model is ultimately very useful for deciphering both the molecular shape or the properties that the molecule has.

Re: How do you utilize the VSEPR model?

Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2018 10:37 am
by Katelyn Phan 2A
The VSEPR theory is a method in order to identify the shape of a molecule. This is determined based off the number of lone pairs and bonded pairs on the central atom. These characteristics are linked to a specific shape identified by the VSEPR Theory.

Re: How do you utilize the VSEPR model?

Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2018 10:42 am
by Saman Andalib 1H
The VSEPR model is a tool primarily used for the identification of molecular shape and orientation based upon the number of bonding and lone pairs present in a molecule. The tricky part with the VSEPR model is actually memorizing the names of all the shapes and what number of bonding and lone pairs that they are associated with.