Chemistry-molecular shapes

Molecular shapes

When we draw molecules we tend to draw them in two dimensions as shown above. However the molecule is a 3 dimensional object and the electrostatic forces of repulsion and attraction influence its shape drammatically. The non bonding electrons tend to pair up and travel in areas called orbitals. These orbitals form areas of negative -charge clouds. For a more detailed discussion on molecular shape click here.
The ammonia molecule showing the bonding and non bonding electrons.
The four charged clouds int he water molecule repel each other as far as possible forming a tetrahedron.	The water molecule takes on a shape that is dictated by the electrostatic repulsion between the negative charged clouds. The clouds repel each other as far as possible in 3 dimensions. The shape of the molecule is taken from where the atoms are. The water molecule takes on a "V" shape when you consider the positioning of the two hydrogen atoms relative to the oxygen atom. The ammonia molecule above takes on the shape of a "Pyramid" when you consider the position of the 3 hydrogen atoms relative to the nitrogen atom.
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