N2H4 Molecular Geometry and Bond Angles (actual bond angle is less than 109.5 degrees)

Описание: We'll determine the N2H4 molecular geometry with respect to the Nitrogen on the right (the other Nitrogen atom will have the same shape since they are symmetrical).

Looking at the N2H4 Lewis structure we can see that there are three atoms attached to the Nitrogen of interest and that there is one lone pair of electrons (on the N of interest). Based on VSEPR Theory (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory) the electron clouds on the atoms (and lone pair) around the N will repel each other. As a result they will be pushed apart giving the trigonal pyramidal molecule a bent molecular geometry or shape.

The N2H4 bond angle will be about 109 degrees since it has a bent trigonal pyramidal geometry.

Helpful Resources:

• How to Draw Lewis Structures:    • How to Draw Lewis Structures: Five Easy Steps  
• Molecular Geometry and VSEPR Explained:    • Molecular Geometry: Rules, Examples, and P...  
• Using the AXE Method for Molecular Geo:    • Molecular Geometry, Bond Angle, Hybridizat...  

• Molecular Geo App: https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/m...

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Drawing/writing done in InkScape. Screen capture done with Camtasia Studio 4.0. Done on a Dell Dimension laptop computer with a Wacom digital tablet (Bamboo).