How do you know the shape of a molecule where each atom is located based on the chemical formula?

Answer 1

To predict the formula of an ionic compound you have to learn names, symbols and charges, of the most important ions.Then it is very easy to predict the formula. For example: Predict the formula of zinc chloride? Solution: The charge of Zinc(Zn) is +2 ,and the charge of chlorine(Cl) is -1, so we take the charge of zinc and put it at the number of atoms of Chlorine(Cl), same we do with the charge of chlorine. And we will get the formula ZnCl2

Examples:

Lead(II)nitrate: Pb+2 NO3-1 ----> Pb(NO3)2

Aluminium bromide: Al+3 Br-1 -----> AlBr3

and so on.....

Answer 2

For simple molecules with a central atom linked to other atoms you can use VSEPR theory, Valence shell electron pair theory, (see link). This gives reasonable estimates of shape. For larger molecules knowing typical bond angles and bond lengths models can be built. These can be physical ball and stick models or you can use "space filling shapes" which show where the electron density mainly resides. Also there are computer programs. This helps in understanding and may give insights into molecular reactivity. The shape a complex molecule takes can be affected by external factors, such as the environment in the solid or in the solvent.

Answer 3

To predict the molecular shape you have to consider the following:

1. You must count the available bonding electrons each atom has

2. The shapes of molecules are determined by the repulsion between electron pairs in the outer shell of the central atom. Both bond pairs and lone pairs must be considered.

3. Lone pairs repel more than bond pairs.

s. Determine central atoms and terminal atoms

There are six basic shapes:

1. linear

2. angular

3. trigonal pyramidal

4. trigonal planar

5. tetrahedral

6. trigonal bi-pyramidal

The objective of every atom in a Lewis structure is to have an octet, or eight electrons.

Answer 4

well you would need to use pen to draw it out

Answer 5

Determining how many lone pairs there are, because that will change the shape.

Answer 6

Cu²⁺ and P³⁻