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Feb 19, 2026
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Understanding Molecular Geometry: A High School Guide
Lilly Johnson
@lilly_vermillion
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Drawing Lewis Structures
Creating Lewis structures helps visualize how electrons are arranged in molecules. Start by placing the first atom in the center (except hydrogen, which can never be central since it forms only one bond).
Count the total valence electrons for all atoms present, then place two electrons (or a dash) between the central atom and each outer atom to represent bonds. Complete the octets of all outer atoms by adding electron dots around them. Remember that hydrogen only needs two electrons to complete its valence shell.
After allocating electrons to outer atoms, subtract the used electrons from the total valence electrons. Any remaining electrons should be placed as lone pairs on the central atom. If the central atom still lacks an octet, form double or triple bonds by sharing additional electrons from exterior atoms.
💡 Quick Tip: When drawing complex molecules, always satisfy outer atoms' octets first before completing the central atom's octet!
This systematic approach ensures you'll correctly represent the electron distribution and bonding in molecules, which directly relates to their geometric structure.
Molecular Geometry Chart
The shape of a molecule depends on both its electron groups and the presence of lone pairs. Electron geometry considers all electron groups, while molecular geometry describes only the arrangement of atoms.
When electrons repel each other, they create predictable arrangements that minimize repulsion. For example, with 2 electron groups, molecules form a linear shape with 180° bond angles (like CO₂). With 3 electron groups and no lone pairs, molecules adopt a trigonal planar arrangement with 120° angles.
Lone pairs significantly affect molecule shape. A molecule with 4 electron groups but 1 lone pair creates a trigonal pyramidal structure (like NH₃) rather than tetrahedral, with bond angles less than 109.5°. Similarly, a molecule with 2 lone pairs forms a bent structure (like H₂O).
💡 Remember: Lone pairs take up more space than bonding pairs, which causes bond angles to decrease from their ideal values!
As electron groups increase to 5 or 6, more complex geometries emerge, including trigonal bipyramidal and octahedral arrangements. The presence of lone pairs in these structures creates specialized shapes like seesaw, T-shaped, and square pyramidal.
Hybridization and Bond Types
Hybridization explains how atomic orbitals combine to form new hybrid orbitals for bonding. Different molecular geometries correspond to specific hybridization types: linear molecules use sp hybridization, trigonal planar use sp², tetrahedral use sp³, trigonal bipyramidal use sp³d, and octahedral structures use sp³d².
Bonds between atoms come in two main types: sigma (σ) and pi (π) bonds. Sigma bonds form when orbitals overlap head-on, creating the primary framework of all single bonds. A single bond consists of one sigma bond, a double bond has one sigma and one pi bond, while a triple bond contains one sigma and two pi bonds.
Pi bonds form when orbitals overlap side-by-side, occurring only in multiple bonds. These bonds are generally weaker than sigma bonds because the sideways overlap isn't as strong as the direct head-on overlap in sigma bonds.
💡 Visualization Tip: Think of sigma bonds as the "backbone" of molecular structure, while pi bonds are like "side attachments" that strengthen connections between atoms!
The combination of hybridization and bond types ultimately determines both the shape and strength of molecular connections.
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Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
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Elisha
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This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Molecular Geometry: A High School Guide
Lilly Johnson
@lilly_vermillion
Molecular geometry and bonding models reveal how atoms arrange themselves in 3D space, determining a molecule's shape, properties, and reactivity. Understanding these concepts helps explain why molecules behave the way they do and forms the foundation for predicting chemical behavior.
Drawing Lewis Structures
Creating Lewis structures helps visualize how electrons are arranged in molecules. Start by placing the first atom in the center (except hydrogen, which can never be central since it forms only one bond).
Count the total valence electrons for all atoms present, then place two electrons (or a dash) between the central atom and each outer atom to represent bonds. Complete the octets of all outer atoms by adding electron dots around them. Remember that hydrogen only needs two electrons to complete its valence shell.
After allocating electrons to outer atoms, subtract the used electrons from the total valence electrons. Any remaining electrons should be placed as lone pairs on the central atom. If the central atom still lacks an octet, form double or triple bonds by sharing additional electrons from exterior atoms.
💡 Quick Tip: When drawing complex molecules, always satisfy outer atoms' octets first before completing the central atom's octet!
This systematic approach ensures you'll correctly represent the electron distribution and bonding in molecules, which directly relates to their geometric structure.
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Molecular Geometry Chart
The shape of a molecule depends on both its electron groups and the presence of lone pairs. Electron geometry considers all electron groups, while molecular geometry describes only the arrangement of atoms.
When electrons repel each other, they create predictable arrangements that minimize repulsion. For example, with 2 electron groups, molecules form a linear shape with 180° bond angles (like CO₂). With 3 electron groups and no lone pairs, molecules adopt a trigonal planar arrangement with 120° angles.
Lone pairs significantly affect molecule shape. A molecule with 4 electron groups but 1 lone pair creates a trigonal pyramidal structure (like NH₃) rather than tetrahedral, with bond angles less than 109.5°. Similarly, a molecule with 2 lone pairs forms a bent structure (like H₂O).
💡 Remember: Lone pairs take up more space than bonding pairs, which causes bond angles to decrease from their ideal values!
As electron groups increase to 5 or 6, more complex geometries emerge, including trigonal bipyramidal and octahedral arrangements. The presence of lone pairs in these structures creates specialized shapes like seesaw, T-shaped, and square pyramidal.
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Hybridization and Bond Types
Hybridization explains how atomic orbitals combine to form new hybrid orbitals for bonding. Different molecular geometries correspond to specific hybridization types: linear molecules use sp hybridization, trigonal planar use sp², tetrahedral use sp³, trigonal bipyramidal use sp³d, and octahedral structures use sp³d².
Bonds between atoms come in two main types: sigma (σ) and pi (π) bonds. Sigma bonds form when orbitals overlap head-on, creating the primary framework of all single bonds. A single bond consists of one sigma bond, a double bond has one sigma and one pi bond, while a triple bond contains one sigma and two pi bonds.
Pi bonds form when orbitals overlap side-by-side, occurring only in multiple bonds. These bonds are generally weaker than sigma bonds because the sideways overlap isn't as strong as the direct head-on overlap in sigma bonds.
💡 Visualization Tip: Think of sigma bonds as the "backbone" of molecular structure, while pi bonds are like "side attachments" that strengthen connections between atoms!
The combination of hybridization and bond types ultimately determines both the shape and strength of molecular connections.
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Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user