JoinFavorite Demonstration: Using Magnets, Paper Clips, and Ball Bearings to Explore Molecular Geometries
The valence-shell electron-pair repulsion model (VSEPR model) provides a simple way of predicting the molecular geometries. However, the particularly challenging part in demonstrating the VSEPR models is to show the “best” arrangement of bonding and nonbonding electrons around the central atom that minimizes the repulsion among the electron pairs. Rigid molecular models do not facilitate quick and easy interchangeable geometries. In this article, the authors present a versatile use of magnets (as electron domains) and a ball bearing (as a central atom).