Instructions and Theory

How to Use

Simply type a chemical formula into the input box (e.g., H2O, PCl5, SF6) and click the "Analyze" button. The tool will automatically calculate the hybridization, geometry, and other properties, displaying a visual representation of the molecule.

The VSEPR Method

This tool uses the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory. This model predicts the 3D geometry of molecules based on the idea that electron pairs surrounding a central atom will arrange themselves as far apart as possible to minimize repulsion.

Glossary of Terms

Central Atom

The atom in a molecule to which all other atoms are bonded. The tool identifies this automatically (usually the least frequent or least electronegative atom).

Steric Number

The total number of electron domains around the central atom. It is calculated as: (Number of Bonded Atoms) + (Number of Lone Pairs). This number is the key to determining the molecule's hybridization and electron geometry.

Bonding Domains

Regions between atoms where electrons are shared. For VSEPR theory, a single, double, or triple bond is treated as just one bonding domain.

Lone Pairs

Pairs of valence electrons on the central atom that are not involved in bonding. Lone pairs exert greater repulsion than bonding pairs, often compressing bond angles and altering the final molecular shape.

Hybridization

The mixing of atomic orbitals (like s and p) to form new, identical hybrid orbitals (e.g., sp, sp², sp³) that are suitable for bonding and match the predicted geometry.

Geometry

The final, 3D arrangement of the atoms in the molecule (the molecular geometry). This can be different from the electron domain geometry if lone pairs are present (e.g., water has a tetrahedral electron geometry but a bent molecular geometry).

Bond Angle(s)

The angle formed between three atoms across at least two bonds. The ideal angles are determined by the geometry, but are often slightly distorted by the presence of lone pairs.