Answer: use own words
How do you find the central atom?
Usually the central atom will be the one that has the most unpaired valence electrons. The central atom is also usually the least electronegative. 2. Calculate the total number of valence electrons in the molecule by adding the valence electrons from each atom.
How do you find lone pairs on the central atom?
Whereas lone pairs are the pairs of electron on an atom that do not participate in the bonding of two atoms. To identify lone pairs in a molecule, figure out the number of valence electrons of the atom and subtract the number of electrons that have participated in the bonding
What is the geometry around the central atom?
Tetrahedral. Tetra- signifies four, and -hedral relates to a face of a solid; “tetrahedral” literally means “having four faces. ” This shape is found when there are four bonds all on one central atom, with no lone electron pairs.
Steps Used to Find the Shape of the Molecule
Draw the Lewis Structure.
Count the number of electron groups and identify them as bond pairs of electron groups or lone pairs of electrons. ...
Name the electron-group geometry. ...
Looking at the positions of other atomic nuclei around the central determine the molecular geometry.
