VSEPR
model
The Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion
(VSEPR) model for molecular bonding is discussed in
the Zumdahl text in Section 13.13 starting on page
621. Once you have studied that section and are
familiar with the ideas and terminology of the
VSEPR model, you can use the Java applet below to
practice.
If the applet does not appear, you may need to
either (1) click the reload button on your browser
or (2) allocate more memory to your browser. (If
you are using a Netscape browser, you may need to
click reload frequently to force the browser to
draw the entire applet correctly, and the applet
may even enter a "redrawing loop" that won't end.
If you find this a real pain, switch to Internet
Explorer, which does not have drawing problems.)
The Help tab on the applet has extensive help
about every feature. Begin, however, with the
scrolling list of molecules on the left. Find one
that interests you, and select it. (Parts of the
help text are geared to the specific molecule you
have chosen. Turn to Help at any point for more
information on any part of the applet.)
Once you have chosen your molecule, move to the
Electrons tab and count the number of valence
electrons in your chosen molecule. You can use the
Lewis tab to reach a sketch pad for drawing a Lewis
electron dot picture of the molecule. The Geometry
tab lets you select electron pair and molecular
geometries, name them, decide about the molecule's
net dipole moment, and check all your selections.
The Record tab keeps track of all the molecules you
explore (no need to enter your name in the "Name"
box under the Record tab).
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