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Can Lewis structures predict the shape of a molecule?

Answer 1

Sarah Angotti

Lewis structures do not predict the shape of a molecule.

They show only the connectivity of the atoms, that is, which atoms are connected to which.

But they are the starting point for predicting the shape of the molecule.

Once you have the Lewis structure, you can use VSEPR theory to predict the shape.

The diagram below shows some Lewis structures and their corresponding molecular shapes.

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Answer 2

Nicholas Antonuccio

Yes, Lewis structures can provide information about the shape of a molecule through VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory. The arrangement of electron pairs around a central atom influences molecular geometry, and VSEPR predicts these shapes based on the repulsion between electron pairs.

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Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.