SHAPES OF MOLECULES

 The shape of a molecule depends on the arrangement of the electron pairs surrounding the
central atom in the molecule
 The Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Model is used to predict the shapes of molecules.
It states that :
1. Electron pairs in the valence energy level of an atom repel each other and are
therefore arranged as far apart as possible to minimise the repulsion between them.
2. The electron pairs which influence molecular shape include both bonding pairs and
non-bonding (lone) pairs in the valence energy level.
3. Measurement of bond angles indicates that lone pairs require more space than
bonding pairs.

ACTIVITY

1. Make molecules of the compounds

 Water (H2O)
 Ammonia (NH3),
 hydrogen sulphide H2S) and
 methane (CH4)

2. Complete the table below for each of the characteristics.

Molecule Shape No. of No. of Angle Name of Melting Boiling

Bonding non- shape Point Point
Pairs bonding (0C) (0C)
pairs
Water 2 2 105 bent 0 100

Ammonia 3 1 107 Trigonal -77.73 -33.34

pyramida
l

Hydrogen 2 2 92 bent -83 -62

Sulfide

Methane 4 0 109.5 tetrahed -182.5 -161.5

ral
 Non-bonding pairs take up more room than bonding-pairs and seem to have greater repulsive force

Lewis Dot Structures

Lewis dot structures identify the location of bonding pairs and lone pairs attached to the central
atom in a two dimensional presentation.

Activity :
From your observations above, draw Lewis dot diagrams for the four molecules.