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9 Dec 2025

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Molecular Shapes Overview: OCR A-Level Chemistry Mindmap

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sam @samj0yce

Understanding molecular shapes and bonding is crucial for predicting how chemicals behave and react. This covers the key... Show more

seven molecules &
carbon dioxide, Co₂, linear
180°
BP-2
LP=O
$O=C=O$
BF3, trignol planar
120°
BP3
LP O
F
B
F
F
water, H₂O, non-linear (CHu,

Molecular Shapes and Electron Pair Repulsion Theory

Ever wondered why water molecules bend whilst carbon dioxide stays straight? It's all about electron pair repulsion theory - electrons hate being near each other because they're all negatively charged.

There are two types of electron pairs around atoms bonding pairs (BP) that connect atoms together, and lone pairs (LP) that just hang around the central atom. Lone pairs are bullies - they're held closer to the atom and push harder against other electron pairs than bonding pairs do.

Here are the key molecular shapes you need to know

  • Linear molecules like CO₂ have 180° bond angles (2 BP, 0 LP)
  • Trigonal planar like BF₃ have 120° angles (3 BP, 0 LP)
  • Tetrahedral like CH₄ have 109.5° angles (4 BP, 0 LP)
  • Bent/non-linear like H₂O have 104.5° angles (2 BP, 2 LP)
  • Pyramidal like NH₃ have 107° angles (3 BP, 1 LP)

Quick Tip The repulsion strength order is LP-LP > BP-LP > BP-BP. This explains why bond angles get smaller when lone pairs are present!

When drawing 3D molecular shapes, remember that wedged lines (▲) come towards you, dashed lines (---) go away from you, and straight lines stay in the plane of the paper.

Electronegativity and Bond Types

Electronegativity is basically how greedy an atom is for electrons - it measures an atom's ability to attract bonding electron pairs. The Pauling scale gives us numerical values to compare different elements.

Electronegativity increases as you go across periods (left to right) but decreases as you go down groups. This happens because nuclear charge increases across periods, whilst atomic size increases down groups.

The electronegativity difference between bonded atoms determines the bond type

  • Non-polar covalent bonds difference00.4difference 0-0.4 electrons shared equally, like in hydrocarbons
  • Polar covalent bonds difference0.41.8difference 0.4-1.8 unequal electron sharing creates dipoles
  • Ionic bonds (difference >1.8) complete electron transfer

Remember Dipoles are just separations of charge, marked with δ+ and δ- symbols to show which end is slightly positive or negative.

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Elisha

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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Chemistry

70

9 Dec 2025

1 page

Molecular Shapes Overview: OCR A-Level Chemistry Mindmap

user profile picture

sam

@samj0yce

Understanding molecular shapes and bonding is crucial for predicting how chemicals behave and react. This covers the key principles of electron pair repulsion theory, electronegativity, and the different types of bonds that form between atoms.

seven molecules &
carbon dioxide, Co₂, linear
180°
BP-2
LP=O
$O=C=O$
BF3, trignol planar
120°
BP3
LP O
F
B
F
F
water, H₂O, non-linear (CHu,

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Molecular Shapes and Electron Pair Repulsion Theory

Ever wondered why water molecules bend whilst carbon dioxide stays straight? It's all about electron pair repulsion theory - electrons hate being near each other because they're all negatively charged.

There are two types of electron pairs around atoms: bonding pairs (BP) that connect atoms together, and lone pairs (LP) that just hang around the central atom. Lone pairs are bullies - they're held closer to the atom and push harder against other electron pairs than bonding pairs do.

Here are the key molecular shapes you need to know:

  • Linear molecules like CO₂ have 180° bond angles (2 BP, 0 LP)
  • Trigonal planar like BF₃ have 120° angles (3 BP, 0 LP)
  • Tetrahedral like CH₄ have 109.5° angles (4 BP, 0 LP)
  • Bent/non-linear like H₂O have 104.5° angles (2 BP, 2 LP)
  • Pyramidal like NH₃ have 107° angles (3 BP, 1 LP)

Quick Tip: The repulsion strength order is LP-LP > BP-LP > BP-BP. This explains why bond angles get smaller when lone pairs are present!

When drawing 3D molecular shapes, remember that wedged lines (▲) come towards you, dashed lines (---) go away from you, and straight lines stay in the plane of the paper.

Electronegativity and Bond Types

Electronegativity is basically how greedy an atom is for electrons - it measures an atom's ability to attract bonding electron pairs. The Pauling scale gives us numerical values to compare different elements.

Electronegativity increases as you go across periods (left to right) but decreases as you go down groups. This happens because nuclear charge increases across periods, whilst atomic size increases down groups.

The electronegativity difference between bonded atoms determines the bond type:

  • Non-polar covalent bonds difference00.4difference 0-0.4: electrons shared equally, like in hydrocarbons
  • Polar covalent bonds difference0.41.8difference 0.4-1.8: unequal electron sharing creates dipoles
  • Ionic bonds (difference >1.8): complete electron transfer

Remember: Dipoles are just separations of charge, marked with δ+ and δ- symbols to show which end is slightly positive or negative.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

0

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Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Most popular content in Chemistry

Most popular content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user