Science Homework Help

Lab Report: Molecular Models

Purpose:

The purpose of the Molecular Models experiment is to give you a better understanding of inorganic molecules and simple organic molecules from a two and three-dimensional point of view.

Skills:

In this lab report, you will:

• Draw and generate 2D and 3D Lewis structures of molecules and ions
• Apply VSEPR theory to molecules and ions
• Apply Valence Bond Theory by determining the hybridization around a central atom
• Calculate the formal charge of atoms
• Determine the polarity of a molecule two ways
  • by looking at the Lewis structure
  • by looking at electrostatic potential maps and dipole moments

Knowledge:

This assignment will also help you to become familiar with the following important content information:

• Draw Lewis structures of compounds.
• Identify the number of bonding electron clouds and lone pairs around a central atom.
• Identify the orbital geometry, approximate bond angle, and molecular geometry around a central atom.
• Determine the hybridization (which hybrid orbitals are used) to describe bonding around a central atom.
• Determine whether a molecule is polar or nonpolar.
• Determine the direction of the dipole moment for a polar molecule
• Calculate formal charge for an atom.
• Draw resonance structures.
• Identify axial and equatorial positions.
• Explain what the colors represent on an electrostatic potential map
• Draw Lewis structures for simple organic compounds
• Understand what structural isomers (or constitutional isomers) are

Tasks:

This exercise asks you to complete the following

• Prelab questions
• Reports sheets
• Use MolView Website to create 2D and 3D images of the molecules and ions and copy images onto a worksheet.
• Post lab questions

Criteria for Success:

Be sure to complete the prelab questions, report sheets, including worksheet for computer generated images, and post lab questions.

• Ask your instructor any questions that you may have as you complete the assignment.
• Before the start of lab on the due date:
  • Use AdobeScan to take pictures of your prelab questions, report sheets, and post lab questions. Combine these with the word document containing your computer-generated images.