Chemistry / Unit 6 Chem 1040 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Molecular Geometry
Captions available
The idea
Molecular geometry names only the arrangement of bonded atoms around a central atom, though unnamed lone pairs still shape that arrangement.
In practice
Ammonia's molecular geometry is trigonal pyramidal, naming its three hydrogens, though its electron-pair geometry is tetrahedral.
Where people slip
Using the two terms interchangeably misreports whether a lone pair is being counted.
Your place on the trail
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