How Do You Tell If A Molecule Is Bent?
Molecules can be represented empirically as well as structurally. Chemists use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) model for molecular geometry, or, the determination of a molecule’s physical shape. This model takes into account the number of bond sites and number of lone electron pairs in a molecule in order to produce a prediction of a molecule’s shape based on its parts. One such shape is “bent,” which occurs when there are two binding sites around the central atom, in addition to one or two lone electron pairs. Using VSEPR theory, one can determine whether or not a molecule is bent. Write down the chemical formula of the molecule (e.g. HF, NO). Count the number of electrons in the molecule using the periodic table. See the Resources section for help on counting electrons in a molecule. Draw the Lewis structure of the molecule, using lines to indicate bonds and dots to indicate lone electrons. Each bond counts as two electrons, and the sum of the electrons in the Lewis
