bent structure? also, intermolecular interactions

[josephyim1L]

i notice that certain carbon-containing molecules have the "bent" shape, what is a "bent" shape and how do we determine it?

In a separate vein, what is the quickest and easiest way to determine the type of molecular interactions that molecules experience?

[dgerges 4H]

The bent shape occurs when there are three total atoms with a lone pair or 2 on the central atom such as on H2O

[Kate Chow 4H]

Adding onto the previous reply, a bent shape occurs when there are 2 bonded atoms and a lone pair on the central atom. The lone pair pushes down, making the bond angle closer to 120 degrees instead of the 180 degrees seen in a linear shape.

Regarding molecular interactions, you can look at symmetry in the lewis structure to determine if there's a dipole moment. Also hydrogen bonding only occurs with electronegative elements (N, O, F). Otherwise, you know that in every molecule, LDFs are present.

[Rian Montagh 2K]

Also, a factor that plays into Van der Waals forces is the number of electrons. If there are many electrons, the interactions could be from the distorted electron clouds.