Lab – VSEPR – (Virtual)

Purpose

Use PhET simulation to construct the 3-D structure of various molecules and determine the shape using VSEPR
theory.

Procedure

1. Draw the 2D Lewis Dot Structure for the molecules (you can draw it on your own paper and attach the
photo, or use the scribble function in Google Doc.)
2. Record how many bonding pairs and lone pairs are around the central atom.
3. Identify the VESPR shape.
4. Identify the bond angle.
5. Identify the hybridization.
6. Determine whether or not the molecule has a dipole moment.
7. Go to https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/molecule-shapes
8. Select “Model” after you start the PhET simulation.
9. Use the bonds and lone pairs in the simulation to build each molecule.
10. Take a screenshot/screen capture of each 3D model you built in PhET and attach it to each
corresponding molecule.
11. Submit it in Schoology.

Molecule Bonding
Lewis Dot Structure Lone Pairs VSEPR Shape 3D Model on PhET
1 Pairs

Trigonal
5 0 Bipyramidal

Dipole Moment?
PF5 Angle Hybridization
(Y/N)

N
120* N/A
90*

Molecule Bonding
Lewis Dot Structure Lone Pairs VSEPR Shape 3D Model on PhET
2 Pairs

Bent Non-planar
H 2S 2 2
 Angle Hybridization Dipole Moment?
(Y/N)
<109.5* SP3 Y

Molecule Bonding
Lewis Dot Structure Lone Pairs VSEPR Shape 3D Model on PhET
3 Pairs

Linear
4 0

Dipole Moment?
Angle Hybridization
(Y/N)
CS2

N
180* SP3

Molecule Bonding
Lewis Dot Structure Lone Pairs VSEPR Shape 3D Model on PhET
4 Pairs

Pyramidal
3 1

Dipole Moment?
Angle Hybridization
(Y/N)
H3O+

Y
<109.5* SP3

Molecule Bonding
Lewis Dot Structure Lone Pairs VSEPR Shape 3D Model on PhET
5 Pairs

Seesaw
SCl4 4 1
 Dipole Moment?
Angle Hybridization
(Y/N)

Y
<120* N/A

Molecule Bonding
Lewis Dot Structure Lone Pairs VSEPR Shape 3D Model on PhET
6 Pairs

Linear
2 3

Dipole Moment?
Angle Hybridization
(Y/N)
XeBr2

N
180* N/A

Molecule Bonding
Lewis Dot Structure Lone Pairs VSEPR Shape 3D Model on PhET
7 Pairs

T-shaped
3 2

Dipole Moment?
Angle Hybridization
(Y/N)
BrF3

Y
<90* N/A

Molecule Lewis Dot Structure Bonding Lone Pairs VSEPR Shape 3D Model on PhET
 8 Pairs

Tetrahedral
4 0

Dipole Moment?
Angle Hybridization
(Y/N)
ClO4–

N
109.5* SP3