Help students predict molecular shapes with this free printable VSEPR theory worksheet.
Try these VSEPR molecular geometry questions online before (or after) you print the worksheet. Click an answer to check it, or open "Show answer" for the explanation.
What is the molecular shape of NH₃?
Answer: trigonal pyramidal. N has 3 bonds + 1 lone pair = 4 domains. The lone pair pushes the H atoms down into a pyramid.
What is the molecular shape of BF₃?
Answer: trigonal planar. B has 3 bonds and no lone pairs, so the 3 F atoms spread out flat at 120°.
What is the molecular shape of SeCl₄?
Answer: seesaw. Se has 4 bonds + 1 lone pair = 5 domains. The lone pair sits in an equatorial position, giving a seesaw.
What is the molecular shape of XeF₄?
Answer: square planar. Xe has 4 bonds + 2 lone pairs = 6 domains. The lone pairs sit opposite each other, leaving a flat square.
What is the molecular shape of CSe₂?
Answer: linear. C has 2 double bonds and no lone pairs = 2 domains, so the molecule is linear (180°).
What is the bond angle in CH₄?
Answer: 109.5°. 4 bonding domains and no lone pairs give a perfect tetrahedron: 109.5°.
How many electron domains does a double bond count as?
Answer: 1. All the electrons in a double or triple bond are in one region between the two atoms, so it counts as one domain.
Why is the H–O–H angle in water (about 104.5°) smaller than 109.5°?
Answer: The two lone pairs on O repel more strongly than bonds. Lone pairs take up more room than bonding pairs, so they squeeze the bonds closer together.
Each statement below has an error. Work out the correct version, then check your answer.
PBr₅ is square pyramidal.
PBr₅ is trigonal bipyramidal. P has 5 bonds and no lone pairs.
SbCl₃ is trigonal planar.
SbCl₃ is trigonal pyramidal. Sb has a lone pair, giving 4 domains.
TeBr₂ is linear because it has two bonded atoms.
TeBr₂ is bent. Te has 2 lone pairs as well as 2 bonds: 4 domains.
BrF₂⁻ is bent like water.
BrF₂⁻ is linear. Br has 2 bonds + 3 lone pairs = 5 domains. The 3 lone pairs fill the equator, so the F atoms are 180° apart.
Want more practice? Download the free printable worksheet and answer key above.