Question

Why is molecular geometry important?

Answer 1

Molecular geometry is used to determine the shapes of molecules.

Explanation:

The shape of a molecule helps to determine its properties.

For example, carbon dioxide is a linear molecule. This means that `CO_2` molecules are non-polar and will not be very soluble in water (a polar solvent).

Other molecules have different shapes. Water molecules have a bent structure. This is one reason why water molecules are polar and have properties such as cohesion, surface tension and hydrogen bonding.

This video discusses the basics of VSEPR theory which is used to determine the shapes of molecules.

Understanding molecular geometry also helps scientist to understand the shapes of more complex molecules such as proteins and DNA. The shapes of these molecules play incredibly important roles in determining the jobs performed by these molecules in our bodies.