Molecular geometry practice: test VSEPR shapes and bond angles
This quiz helps you practice molecular geometry by naming VSEPR shapes, predicting bond angles, and checking polarity with instant feedback. For more targeted drills, work through our electron geometry practice, try a focused bond angles quiz, or refresh core theory in a vsepr theory quiz.
Study Outcomes
- Identify electron-domain geometries -
Use VSEPR theory to classify electron-domain shapes based on bonding pairs and lone pairs around a central atom.
- Differentiate electron and molecular geometries -
Compare idealized electron-domain arrangements with actual molecular shapes to explain deviations caused by lone pairs.
- Predict bond angles in common molecular shapes -
Estimate bond angles for linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal, and octahedral geometries.
- Analyze CCl2Br2 molecular geometry and polarity -
Apply VSEPR rules to determine the 3D shape of CCl2Br2 and predict its dipole moment and stereochemical isomerism.
- Evaluate molecular dipole moments -
Assess how differences in bond polarity and molecular geometry combine to produce overall molecular polarity.
- Apply molecular geometry practice in quiz scenarios -
Reinforce your understanding through targeted molecular geometry practice questions with detailed feedback.
Cheat Sheet
- VSEPR Theory and Electron Domains -
Review the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory to predict molecular shapes by counting electron domains around a central atom. Each repulsion follows the mnemonic "Keep eâ» pairs apart for Max Repulsion" to help remember domain arrangements. Regular molecular geometry practice will solidify your ability to identify shapes based on lone pair and bond pair interactions.
- Common Molecular Geometries and Ideal Bond Angles -
Master linear (180°), trigonal planar (120°), tetrahedral (109.5°), trigonal bipyramidal (90°/120°), and octahedral (90°) shapes using authoritative tables from university chemistry departments. Use the playful phrase "Lone, Trio, Tetrahabit, Bi-perky, Octa-siton" to recall increasing electron domain counts. Test yourself with an electron geometry quiz to pair each shape accurately with its bond angles.
- AXE Notation and Steric Number Calculation -
The AXE method (A = central atom, X = bonding pairs, E = lone pairs) helps calculate the steric number and predict both electron and molecular geometries with precision. For example, NH₃ has AX₃E, giving a steric number of 4 and a trigonal pyramidal molecular shape. Practicing with a quiz on molecular geometry will make this notation second nature.
- Polarity, Dipole Moments, and Molecular Shape -
Combine knowledge of individual bond dipoles with overall molecular symmetry to determine polarity - dipole vectors cancel in nonpolar geometries like COâ‚‚'s linear form. Remember the phrase "Symmetry cancels all" to quickly predict nonpolar molecules. Regular electron and molecular geometry practice builds confidence in calculating net dipole moments.
- Predicting CCl2Br2 Molecular Geometry -
When predicting CCl2Br2 molecular geometry, recognize that carbon's steric number of 4 yields a tetrahedral electron geometry but two distinct diastereomeric arrangements. Since Br and Cl differ in electronegativity, these arrangements produce unique dipole moments you can calculate using vector addition. Incorporate CCl2Br2 molecular geometry problems into your study set to sharpen your skills in isomer identification and dipole analysis.