Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The molecular structure describes the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within a molecule. It determines the molecule's shape, bond angles, and overall geometry.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Molecular structure is influenced by the types of chemical bonds (covalent, ionic, etc.) and the spatial arrangement of these bonds.
VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory is used to predict the geometry of molecules based on electron-pair repulsion.
Formal charges help determine the most stable resonance structure for a molecule by evaluating charge distribution.
Polarity of a molecule depends on both its molecular geometry and the electronegativity differences between bonded atoms.
The presence of lone pairs can significantly alter bond angles, resulting in deviations from idealized geometries.
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Related terms
VSEPR Theory: A model used to predict the geometry of individual molecules based on electron-pair repulsion around a central atom.
A theoretical charge assigned to an atom in a molecule, calculated as: Formal Charge = (Valence electrons) - (Non-bonding electrons + Bonding electrons/2).
Resonance Structure: Different Lewis structures for a single molecule that show delocalization of electrons within the molecule.