Molecule Shapes –

Guided-Inquiry Activity

Pre-Laboratory Discussion

Inorganic and Organic Chemistry Laboratory

Integrated Sciences Department
College of Allied Sciences
De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute
 Outline of Discussion

• Background

• Objectives

• Instructions and Reminders

 “Molecule Shapes”

• Under the PhETTM Interactive Simulations of the University

of Colorado Boulder, CO, USA
Valence-Shell Electron-Pair Repulsion Theory (VSEPR)

• Each group of valence electrons around a central atom is

located as far as possible from the others, to minimize
repulsions.

• A “group” of electrons is any number of electrons that

occupies a localized region around an atom.
– A single bond, double bond, triple bond, lone pair, or single
electron all count as a single group.
Valence-Shell Electron-Pair Repulsion Theory (VSEPR)
Valence-Shell Electron-Pair Repulsion Theory (VSEPR)
Molecular Shapes for Central Atoms in Period 2 and in
Higher Periods
 Objectives

• Determine electron geometry and molecule geometry for

molecules using VSEPR theory

• Explain the role that nonbonding electron pairs play in

determining molecule geometry

• Predict bond angles in covalent molecules as well as

deviations from idealized bond angles
 Virtual Laboratory Activity

• The simulation can be used in a student-centered, process

oriented guided-inquiry activity.

• Every student will work in small teams and during your

group discussion, you will answer the questions in the
handout.

• A student handout is already uploaded via the LMS which

will serve as your group’s post-laboratory requirement for
submission.
 Virtual Laboratory Activity

https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/molecule-shapes/latest/molecule-shapes_en.html