Phet Vsepr Shapes Lab printable pdf download

Phet Vsepr Shapes Lab

Chemistry

Name _________________________________________ Period _____

Molecular Shapes VSEPR Activity

Log on to

https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/molecule-shapes

either by Googling “phet simulations molecule

shape.” Click on “Run Now.” If a screen pops up asking to update Java, click on “Later.”

Introduction

Atoms bond to satisfy their need for more electrons. If both atoms have high electronegativities (are nonmetals), atoms

will share electrons to satisfy the Octet Rule – every atom wants 8 electrons to fill the s and p orbitals in the outer

energy level. But, as you will see, if the electronegativities are high enough and both atoms unwilling to give up

electrons, sometimes atoms can deviate from and not follow) the Octet Rule.

Because electrons have a negative charge and atoms occupy space, bonds and electrons will spread out as much as

possible. Since we write in a two dimensional plane on paper, it is difficult to visualize the true geometry of these

molecules. This activity and the program you are about to use allows us to visualize on a more 3-dimensional scale.

Part 1 – Generic Molecules

Fill in the chart below by creating the generic molecules below. On your screen in the lower left corner, click on

“molecule geometry.” Add atoms and electron pairs as needed to produce the generic formula. Once the molecule is

assembled, click and drag the screen to spin the atom around. Click on the “Show bond angles.” Use the following key:



A – central purple atom – cannot be removed

D – triple bonded white atom



B – single bonded white atom

E – Electron pairs not bonded



C – double bonded white atom

In each box:

1. Draw the molecule you create to the best of your ability

2. Write the Molecule Geometry (MG)name in the box

3. Label the bond angle

4. Look at the central atom, is its octet satisfied?

Molecule

ABE

MG _____________________________ Octet?

______

Phet Vsepr Shapes Lab