Stable Structures
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Stable Structures
When determining the molecular shape of a molecule, do you have to consider the most stable structure for its Lewis structure?
Re: Stable Structures
Yes, I think we do have to consider the most stable structure. Like in the lecture video on Wednesday from this week, try thinking of removing the individual atoms and seeing how stable they would be if you removed one from the side or one from the top (seesaw example). The more stable structure will have more repulsion (the atoms that are farther apart). I hope that helps.
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Re: Stable Structures
Yes, I think we should always consider the most stable structure when determining the shapes of molecules.
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Re: Stable Structures
Yes, as stated above, I think we always consider the most stable structure while determining the shapes of molecules.
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Re: Stable Structures
It depends what the question is asking. Sometimes you will need to draw all resonance structures while other times you will be asked to draw the most stable structure... it just depends. When in doubt being able to determine the most stable structure is very helpful.
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Re: Stable Structures
Yes, and to add on, you find the most stable structure by calculating the formal charges of the atoms.
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Re: Stable Structures
Usually we consider the most stable structure for its Lewis structure and we can do this by looking at the fewest number and magnitude of the formal charge.
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Re: Stable Structures
I would always use the most stable structure unless specifies otherwise. I think this was also sated in the instructions for the midterm :)
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Re: Stable Structures
Yes you must otherwise you may get a completely different shape then what is right.
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