How are molecular shapes determined?

1 Answer
Jun 16, 2017

How else but by experiment.......??

Explanation:

Chemistry and physics are experimental sciences. You do the experiment, and then you come up with some theory to explain what you find. You do not explain your findings before you get the experimental result.

Molecular geometry can usually be explained on the basis of #"Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory"#, which can be utilized simply by counting the number of electron pairs, bonding, and non-bonding around the central atom. Note that VESPER rests on the basis of actual experimental result; molecular geometry can be interrogated by some other means.

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