AP Chemistry Unit 2 Lab- Molecular Geometry
Name: Victoria Pearson Date: 27, September 2025
Part 1 – Generic molecules with only bonding electrons
KEY: A-central purple atom-cannot be removed D-triple bonded white atom
B-single bonded white atom E-lone pair of electrons
C-double bonded white atom
Note: To remove bonds, click the red “X” next to the bond type.
Molecule # of atoms # of lone # of electron Sketch Name of Bond angles
bonded to pairs on domains (different atoms should be shaded molecule
differently)
central the central geometry
atom atom
AB 1 0 1 Linear None
2 0 2 Liner 180 degrees (1)
AC2
3 0 3 Trigonal 120 degrees (3)
Planar
AB3
3 0 3 Trigonal 120 degrees (3)
Planar
AB2C
4 0 4 Tetrahedral 109.5
degrees (4)
AB4
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Part 2-Real molecules with only bonding electrons
Click on the “Real Molecules” tab at the bottom of the page. Use the pull-down menu to select the molecules below and fill in the
chart. Select “Show Lone Pairs” and “Show Bond Angles”. (1pt each box)
Molecule Generic Formula Bond Angles
(from part 1)
AC2 180 degrees (1)
CO2
AB3 120 degrees (3)
BF3
AB4 109.5 degrees (4)
CH4
PhET LAB
Part 3 – Generic molecules with bonding AND lone pairs of electrons
Molecule # of # of lone # of electron Sketch Name of Sketch Name of Bond angles
atoms pairs on domains (Including lone electron (Ignoring the molecule
bonded to the pairs) geometry lone pairs) geometry
central central
atom atom
ADE 1 1 2 Linear Linear None
2 1 3 Trigonal Bent 120
Planar degrees (1)
AB2E
1 2 3 Trigonal Linear None
Planar
ACE2
2 1 3 Trigonal Bent 120
Planar degrees (1)
AC2E
3 1 4 Tetrahedral Trigonal 109.5
Pyramidal degrees (3)
AB3E
2 2 4 Tetrahedral Bent 104.5
degrees (1)
AB2E2
1 3 4 Tetrahedral Linear None
ABE3
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Part 4 – Generic molecules with bonding AND lone pairs of electrons
Molecule Generic Formula Bond Angles
(using the key on p.1)
AC2E 119.0 (1)
SO2
AB3E 107.8 (3)
NH3
AB2E2 104.5 (1)
H2O
PhET LAB
Post Lab Questions
1. VSEPR Theory stands for “Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion”. Explain how/why the repulsion of electron pairs affects
the geometry of a molecule. (2pts)
The geometry of a molecule is it's distinct 3 dimensional shape. This is determined by the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion
which causes molecules to position themselves as far apart as possible when interacting. To minimize repulsion, electron
groups will arrange themselves by forming a unique shape.
2. The program did not give a bond angle to molecules consisting of only two atoms. Why? (Think geometry class). (1pt)
In order for molecules to have a bond angle there must be at least two atoms bonded to a central atom, otherwise there is no
atom to form an angle with. A bond with two atoms is known as a diatomic molecule and doesn't have an angle because there
is nothing to angle against.
3. Explain what is included in an electron domain. (2pts)
The electron domain region includes all bonding pairs such as single bonds, double bonds, and triple bonds. Despite have
double and triple bonds, each bond counts as one electron domain. In addition to bonding pairs, the lone electron or
non bonding pairs are also included in an electron domain. Overall, anything that influences a molecule shape is included
in an electron domain.
4. Identify the hybridization for the molecules in Part 4. Fill in the table below. (3pts)
Molecule Hybridization
sp2
SO2
sp3
NH3
sp3
H2O
