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Molecular Geometry Worksheet

Steps for identifying molecular geometry
1. Draw the Lewis Dot Diagram.
2. Count the number of bonding areas surrounding the central atom.
a. Each single, double, and triple bond counts as one bonding area
3. Count each nonbonding pair of electrons on the central atom.
a. Each lone pair (unshared pair) of electrons count as one electron cloud.
4. Identify the appropriate molecular geometry using steps #2 & #3 and the table below.

Number of Bonding Areas
# of Unshared Pairs of
Electrons
Shape
1 (simple molecule) 0 Linear
2 0 Linear
3 0 Trigonal Planar
4 0 Tetrahedral
3 1 Trigonal Pyramidal
2 2 or 1 Bent

Identify the molecular shape of the following molecules (Show all steps) and draw an appropriate picture.
1. Br
2
2. HCN
3. PI
3
4. CHCl
3

5. OCl
2
6. ClO
3
-1

7. PH
3
8. CH
4

9. CO
3
-2
10. CO