2
MODELLING MOLECULAR SHAPES
OBJECTIVE: In this experiment, students will build models for molecular shapes using
plastic balloons for electron groups.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
Plastic balloon is polyvinyl chloride dissolved in ethyl acetate, an ester with many
uses, such as artificial fruit essences and aroma enhancers, artificial flavors for
confectionery, ice cream and cakes, as a solvent in many applications (including
decaffeinating tea and coffee) for varnishes and paints (nail varnish remover), and for
the manufacture of printing inks and perfumes.
PROCEDURE:
QUESTIONS:
1. How would you describe the shape of the balloon structures you made?
2. What are the bond angles in the structures? Would the bond angles be all the same
whichever pair of bonds you measure?
3. Think of any object that can represent each of the structures you made?
4. Given the Lewis structures of the following molecules, what molecular geometry and
bond angles would you predict?
1
Group No. _____ Date: _______
Names: _____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Number of electron
Balloon drawing Stick drawing
groups
2
1. How would you describe the shape of the balloon structures you made?
2. What are the bond angles in the structures? Would the bond angles be all the same
whichever pair of bonds you measure?
3. Think of any object that can represent each of the structures you made?
4. Given the Lewis structures of the following molecules, what molecular geometry and
bond angles would you predict?
F
F C Cl
H O H O C O O O O Cl