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What type of molecular model is most accurate to the shape of a molecule?

2 Answers

5 votes

Final answer:

The most accurate molecular model for the shape of a molecule is the space-filling model, which shows the 3D structure of a molecule based on VSEPR theory.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of molecular model that is most accurate to the shape of a molecule is the space-filling model. This model reflects the true 3D structure of the molecule, showing the atoms' relative positions as well as their relative sizes, based on valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory. VSEPR characterizes how electron groups are arranged around a central atom and how these arrangements affect the shape of the molecule. The space-filling model does not depict the bonds explicitly, in contrast with other models such as the ball-and-stick or the wedge-and-dash representations. Additionally, the molecular geometry can be predicted based on the number of electron groups and adjoining atoms, influencing factors like bond angles and the overall shape of the molecule.

User Qbeuek
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Molecular orbital theory

User Max Golovanchuk
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