Welcome Guest Search | Active Topics |

Tag as favorite
Molecular geometry vs. basic geometry
Options
Previous Topic Next Topic
Kaylene_5146
#1 Posted : Friday, June 25, 2021 12:43:31 AM
Rank: Newbie

Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/4/2020
Posts: 7

Thanks: 0 times
Was thanked: 0 time(s) in 0 post(s)
I am confused on basic vs. molecular geometry. If molecular geometry only focuses on the atoms (not the electrons) why do the dash-wedge drawings include electrons (ie. trigonal pyramidal instead of tetrahedral)? Shouldn't this be the other way around (including electrons in drawings show electron repulsion effects)? I am looking at p. 117, section 2.5 (Molecular geometries and VSEPR Theory) of the 2020 classroom companion
Back to top
Report?
INSTR_Molly_129
#2 Posted : Sunday, June 27, 2021 6:14:49 PM
Rank: Advanced Member

Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/23/2021
Posts: 74

Thanks: 0 times
Was thanked: 0 time(s) in 0 post(s)
Hey Kayleen, thanks for being super specific about what you were looking at, it was really helpful!

Yes, molecular geometry focuses on the atoms. I think that the diagram here just has the electrons on wedge/dash to remind us of the fact that these electrons are still taking up space around the central atom in a similar fashion which would give rise to our trigonal pyramidal vs. bent configurations we see.

I hope that that explains it. Let me know if you have any further questions.

Happy studying,

Molly
Back to top
Report?
Users browsing this topic
Guest
Tag as favorite
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.

Clean Slate theme by Jaben Cargman (Tiny Gecko)
Powered by YAF | YAF © 2003-2009, Yet Another Forum.NET
This page was generated in 0.070 seconds.