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Molecular geometry vs. basic geometry
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Kaylene_5146
#1 Posted : Friday, June 25, 2021 12:43:31 AM
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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
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INSTR_Molly_129
#2 Posted : Sunday, June 27, 2021 6:14:49 PM
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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
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