Electron Geometry vs Molecular Geometry: Explanation & Examples

An explanation of the difference between molecular geometry and electron geometry. The primary difference is that with molecular geometry we include only the atoms in naming the geometry. It is important to remember that if there are unbonded electron pairs (lone pairs) on the central atom they still are there and affect the geometry - we just don't use them to name the geometry.
For electron geometry we include both the atoms and lone pairs when we name the geometry.
Helpful Resources:
• How to Draw Lewis Structures: • How to Draw Lewis Stru...
• Molecular Geometry and VSEPR Explained: • Molecular Geometry: Ru...
• Molecular Geo App: phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/m...
To determine the molecular geometry, or shape for a compound , we complete the following steps:
1) Draw the Lewis Structure for the compound.
2) Predict how the atoms and lone pairs will spread out when the repel each other.
3) Use a chart based on steric number (like the one in the video) or use the AXN notation to find the molecular shape. This will be determined by the number of atoms and lone pairs attached to the central atom.
If you are trying to find the electron geometry for SeF6 we would expect it to be Octahedral.
Get more chemistry help at www.breslyn.org
Drawing/writing done in InkScape. Screen capture done with Camtasia Studio 4.0. Done on a Dell Dimension laptop computer with a Wacom digital tablet (Bamboo).

[@katiecolin280]

Final is next week! was confused on the difference and your short video explained what i couldn't understand in months! Thank you!!

[@hannahbond6225]

I've got a test coming up this week on this subject. Your video was very straight to the point and helpful, thank you so much!

[@soul9200]

thank you this actually explains it visually quite well

[@wbreslyn]

Great to hear!

[@Killia0316]

Thank you for providing such a clear explanation. 😊 I was confused about the definitions and examples of the two, as they seemed to be interchange. 🤔 Your assistance has been invaluable. 💯

[@wbreslyn]

You're very welcome!

[@campbellsouthwick429]

Bro W Video helped me understand this finally I love the molecular models that you use

[@chocolatecake7748]

this has helped me tremendously. thank you so much.

[@mdkaifraza5467]

Nice explanation. It Cleared my concept very well. Thank you 🙏

[@jasonlove8733]

Great examples! Crystal clear explanation!

[@wbreslyn]

Glad you think so!

[@oregvirtsman8929]

Ty so much! Great video

[@nickh.44]

thank you very much. My chem professor never defined these terms before using them. Now I know the difference!

[@felixivanov4173]

Thank you dr B!

[@ZekeFoisy]

I'm curious as to what website or app you use for the 3D visualization of VSEPR shapes. I can't find anything like it.

[@bookie6884]

I'd assume it's a PhET simulation - Molecular Geometry

[@annikacooper4742]

you are the biggest slay for my little pea brain thank you good sir I am forever in your debt

[@CalviNsiku]

I love the simplicity 👍❤️

[@jored9956]

this is very helpful

[@diboratsegaye2656]

Thanks😊

[@sophia-vj5ph]

AMAZING!

[@najardutyc]

thank you you are great

[@maaax573]

Thank you

[@gauravGupta-bk2sw]

Bravo!

[@jasonlove8733]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😊

[@wbreslyn]

Thanks!