Virtual Lab: Bonding and Molecular Geometry
Background:
When learning how to draw structural formulas it is difficult to visualize the actual geometry or shape of the molecule when it is drawn on paper. When you draw a molecule on paper, you are only seeing a 2-dimensional representation of it. Molecular model kits and virtual simulations allow you the opportunity to gain a more accurate perception of a molecule’s actual geometry in three dimensions.
Part 1: Lewis Diagrams
When learning how to draw structural formulas it is difficult to visualize the actual geometry or shape of the molecule when it is drawn on paper. When you draw a molecule on paper, you are only seeing a 2-dimensional representation of it. Molecular model kits and virtual simulations allow you the opportunity to gain a more accurate perception of a molecule’s actual geometry in three dimensions.
Part 1: Lewis Diagrams
- Watch the following tutorial on drawing Lewis dot diagrams for covalent molecules. Lewis Diagrams Tutorial: How to Draw Lewis Dot Structures
- Draw the Lewis structures for the following molecules. Pay attention to possible double and triple bonds!
Part 2: Molecular Shapes
1. Visit the following PHET simulation Build a Molecule and go to the “Playground.”
1. Visit the following PHET simulation Build a Molecule and go to the “Playground.”
Questions:
- Which of the molecules that you built were polar? Explain your reasoning.
- Which of the molecules that you built were nonpolar? Explain your reasoning.
*** Thanks to https://msrandallscience.weebly.com/ for the collaboration