Molecule shapes: basics – bonds push as far apart as possible
Integrated ScienceAtoms, Elements & BondingAges 12–13
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Sign in to playA simplified 3D model: add or remove single, double and triple bonds around a central atom and watch the bonds push each other as far apart as possible, forming linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal and octahedral shapes. Drag an atom out of place and release it to see it spring back; read the bond angles and the name of the shape. The Real molecules screen has BeCl₂, BF₃, CH₄, PCl₅ and SF₆. Adapted from the "Molecule Shapes: Basics" simulation by PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado Boulder (CC BY 4.0); rewritten.
Lesson: Introduction to chemical bonding
How to use
Parameters you can change
- Screen Model (build your own), Real molecules
- Initial single bonds 0–6
- Initial double bonds 0–6
- Initial triple bonds 0–6
- Real molecule BeCl₂, BF₃, CH₄, PCl₅, SF₆
- Show bond angles
- Show molecule shape name
