Molecular Polarity Explorer
Students examine how individual bond dipoles combine with molecular shape to produce, or cancel out, a net molecular dipole. Comparing molecules with polar bonds but…
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Chemistry · Bonding & Molecular Structure
3D VSEPR Molecular Shapes & Lone Pairs Simulation
Students vary bonding pairs and lone pairs to compare electron-domain geometry with observed molecular shape in 2D and 3D, including linear, bent, tetrahedral, trigonal pyramidal and other VSEPR geometries. Separating the two geometries helps students explain why lone pairs change molecular shape. The full interactive is available to licensed Education Universe users.
Years 11–12Explorer
Learning outcomes
- Predict molecular shape using VSEPR theory.
- Distinguish electron-domain geometry from molecular shape.
- Explain the effect of lone pairs on bond angles and shape.
Teaching guidance
Ask students to predict the shape from a Lewis structure before building it, then compare the two geometries shown.
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VSEPR Geometry Explorer is one of the licensed interactives in The Education Universe. This page describes it; teachers use it in lessons and classes with a licence or the free trial.