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Molecular geometry is the distances and angles between the each of the different atoms in the molecule. It is essentially the shape of the molecule.
Molecular structure includes the shape of the molecule, but also much more, such as its electronic structure. This includes the nature of the bonding in the molecule (such as where there are single, double or triple bonds), the polarity of the molecule (if the electrons are spread out evenly throughout the molecule or if they are concentrated in particular areas, and if so, what areas), etc.

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Q: What is the difference between molecular geometry and molecular structure?
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How do you determine the molecular geometry of a molecule?

The molecular geometry of a molecule can be determined using the VSEPR theory. VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) Theory: The basic premise of this simple theory is that electron pairs (bonding and nonbonding) repel one another; so the electron pairs will adopt a geometry about an atom that minimizes these repulsions. Use the method below to determine the molecular geometry about an atom. Write the Lewis dot structure for the molecule. Count the number of things (atoms, groups of atoms, and lone pairs of electrons) that are directly attached to the central atom (the atom of interest) to determine the overall (electronic) geometry of the molecule. Now ignore the lone pairs of electrons to get the molecular geometry of the molecule. The molecular geometry describes the arrangement of the atoms only and not the lone pairs of electrons. If there are no lone pairs in the molecule, then the overall geometry and the molecular geometry are the same. If the overall geometry is tetrahedral, then there are three possibilities for the molecular geometry; if it is trigonal planar, there are two possibilities; and if it is linear, the molecular geometry must also be linear. The diagram below illustrates the relationship between overall (electronic) and molecular geometries. To view the geometry in greater detail, simply click on that geometry in the graphic below. Although there are many, many different geometries that molecules adopt, we are only concerned with the five shown below.


What is the difference between trigonometry and geometry?

Trigonometry is specificly the study of a right triangle. For example, what is the cosine? Geometry is the study on shapes.


What is the difference between geometry and math?

Geometry is a type of math. Math encompasses many types of numerical patterns. Geometry is math that applies to geometric shapes.


What is the difference between euclid's and modern geometry?

dude i wanted to know the answer not to type it


What is the difference between geometry and angles?

Because cheese is apple with a pineapple coconut.

Related questions

What is the relationship between molecular geometry and O2 bond angles?

The relationship between molecular geometry and O2 bond angles is that the molecular geometry of O2 is linear, meaning that the bond angle between the two oxygen atoms is 180 degrees.


What is the difference between Electron Geometry and Molecular Geometry and explain the circumstances under which they will not be the same?

Electron geometry describes the arrangement of electron pairs around a central atom in a molecule, based on the total number of electron pairs (bonding and nonbonding). Molecular geometry, on the other hand, describes the arrangement of atoms, taking into account only the positions of the atoms. They will not be the same when there are lone pairs of electrons on the central atom. In such cases, the electron geometry is determined by all electron pairs, whereas the molecular geometry considers only the positions of the atoms, leading to a difference.


What is the difference between a chemical change and a physical change in a reaction?

A physical change occur when the molecular structure of chemicals are not changed.A chemical change occur when the molecular structure of chemicals is changed.


What is the difference between a tetrahedral and trigonal planar molecular geometry?

The main difference between tetrahedral and trigonal planar molecular geometries is the number of atoms bonded to the central atom. In a tetrahedral geometry, there are four atoms bonded to the central atom, arranged in a three-dimensional shape resembling a pyramid with a triangular base. In a trigonal planar geometry, there are three atoms bonded to the central atom, arranged in a flat, triangular shape.


What are the differences between pyramidal and tetrahedral shapes in molecular geometry?

In molecular geometry, pyramidal shapes have a central atom with three bonded atoms and one lone pair, giving it a pyramid-like structure. Tetrahedral shapes have a central atom with four bonded atoms, forming a symmetrical tetrahedron.


What is the difference between geometry and solid geometry?

The difference between regular geometry and solid geometry is that regular geometry deals with angles, measuring angles, and theorem/postulates. Solid geometry deals with shapes and multiple sided figures.


What is the difference between a tetrahedral and a trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry?

In a tetrahedral molecular geometry, there are four atoms or groups of atoms bonded to the central atom, arranged in a symmetrical shape like a pyramid with a triangular base. In a trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry, there are three atoms or groups of atoms bonded to the central atom, with one lone pair of electrons, giving it a pyramid shape with a triangular base.


Can molecular formula be used to show difference between isomers?

No, molecular formula alone cannot show the difference between isomers. Isomers have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements of atoms. Additional information, such as structural formula or connectivity of atoms, is needed to differentiate between isomers.


How do you determine the molecular geometry of a molecule?

The molecular geometry of a molecule can be determined using the VSEPR theory. VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) Theory: The basic premise of this simple theory is that electron pairs (bonding and nonbonding) repel one another; so the electron pairs will adopt a geometry about an atom that minimizes these repulsions. Use the method below to determine the molecular geometry about an atom. Write the Lewis dot structure for the molecule. Count the number of things (atoms, groups of atoms, and lone pairs of electrons) that are directly attached to the central atom (the atom of interest) to determine the overall (electronic) geometry of the molecule. Now ignore the lone pairs of electrons to get the molecular geometry of the molecule. The molecular geometry describes the arrangement of the atoms only and not the lone pairs of electrons. If there are no lone pairs in the molecule, then the overall geometry and the molecular geometry are the same. If the overall geometry is tetrahedral, then there are three possibilities for the molecular geometry; if it is trigonal planar, there are two possibilities; and if it is linear, the molecular geometry must also be linear. The diagram below illustrates the relationship between overall (electronic) and molecular geometries. To view the geometry in greater detail, simply click on that geometry in the graphic below. Although there are many, many different geometries that molecules adopt, we are only concerned with the five shown below.


What is the difference between a plane geometry and a solid geometry?

one is plane and one is solid


Can you see difference between molecular compound from ionic compound with a microscope?

Yes, if the microscope's enlargement ability is adequate, you can see the crystalline structure in ionic compounds unlike in molecular compounds.


Which model of a hydrocarbon shows the geometry of the molecule?

The correct answer is: The ball-and-stick model.