Molecules

...come in some funky shapes.

There are five basic types of molecular structures, that are dependent on how many bonds the compound forms.

The first kind is a linear structure. One element sits in the center, bound to two other elements on the side. Because of the VSEPR theory, the electrons want to be as far away from each other as possible because they repel. If each side element sits 180 degrees apart from each other, the molecule becomes balanced and a linear structure is formed.

The second kind is a bent molecule. When a molecule, such as H2O, is bonded, a lone pair is left over. Because there are now three groups of molecules, the side elements will separate out even further, to an angle of 105 degrees.

The third kind is a trigonal planar molecule. Three side elements will separate to form a 120 degree angle between each element to maximize the distance between each electron pair.

The fourth kind is a trigonal pyramid. When three side elements and a lone pair are present, the lone pair forces the elements into a tetrahedral shape, but it is called a pyramid because only the three side elements are present.

The final kind is a tetrahedron, mentioned earlier in the trigonal pyramid. Four bonded side elements will form a tetrahedral shape to balance out the molecule.