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Jump to one of the following molecular shapes' parts:   Choose One Introduction to Molecular Shapes Part 1- Shapes with LiveMath Part 2- Quizzes

For each random quiz that is generated, you will need to determine the Lewis structure, the electronic structure, and the molecular structure (shape). The Lewis structure must be determined initially because the theory that we are using to predict molecular shapes, VSEPR, depends on knowing the total number of structural pairs for electronic structure. There are two additional buttons which you can use to better see the shape of the molecule.

As of July, 2006, I've added interaction using the Java applet Jmol.

Important note! The shapes we discuss in class are idealized ones. In other words, "perfect" tetrahedrons, octahedrons, etc. Real life isn't always so perfect and there are factors that affect shape like varying bond lengths and bond angles which I've ignored. When possible, I've used experimental and computational data to make the ball-and-stick pictures and the Jmol molecules.

Pull up the Periodic Table if you need one.

Once you've opened the quiz window for the first time, you don't need to close the window before asking for a new, random structure. All you need to do is switch back to the main quiz window and ask for another quiz. It will appear in the same quiz window as before.