Molecule Shapes PhET

Directions: In the Model section explore the simulation and turn on the electron, molecule geometry, and bond angles. For the model you see in the image, what is the bond angle and molecule geometry?

• A) 180° & Linear

• B) 120° & Trigonal Planar

• C) 90° & Linear

• D) 104.5° & Trigonal Planar

Directions: Observe the molecular geometry of molecules with two single bonds. What type of geometry does a molecule with two bonds (like CO₂) have?

• A) Linear

• B) Tetrahedral

• C) Bent

• D) Trigonal planar

Directions: Experiment with molecules that have three single bonds, such as BF₃. What geometry do molecules with three bonds, like BF₃, exhibit?

• A) Trigonal planar

• B) Tetrahedral

• C) Linear

• D) Octahedral

Directions: Build a molecule with four single bonds, such as CH₄ (methane). What is the molecular geometry of CH₄?

• A) Trigonal planar

• B) Linear

• C) Tetrahedral

• D) Octahedral

Directions: Create a molecule that has two single bonds and a lone pair. How do lone pairs affect the geometry of a molecule like NH₃?

• A) Lone pairs do not affect the geometry.

• B) Lone pairs make the bond angles larger.

• C) Lone pairs make the bond angles smaller.

• D) Lone pairs cause the molecule to be linear.

Directions: Experiment with molecules that have two double bonds, such as CO₂. What is the bond angle in a molecule with two double bonds, such as CO₂?

• A) 120°

• B) 90°

• C) 180°

• D) 104.5°

Directions: Experiment with molecules having more than four bonds, such as SF₆. What type of geometry does a molecule like SF₆ (sulfur hexafluoride) have?

• A) Trigonal planar

• B) Linear

• C) Tetrahedral

• D) Octahedral

Directions: In the Real Molecules section, identify the molecular geometry of the real molecule CH₄. What is the shape of the CH₄ molecule in the Real Molecules section?

• A) Bent

• B) Linear

• C) Trigonal planar

• D) Tetrahedral

Directions: Examine the bond angles in real molecules. What is the bond angle in a water molecule (H₂O) in the Real Molecules section?

• A) 120°

• B) 180°

• C) 109.5°

• D) 90°

Directions: Observe the molecular geometry of real molecules like CO₂. What is the molecular geometry of CO₂?

• A) Linear

• B) Trigonal planar

• C) Tetrahedral

• D) Bent