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Lecture Video
Valence shell electron pair repulsion or VSEPR theory can be used to predict molecular geometry. The theory is based on Lewis structures and the simple idea that that the preferred geometry around a central atom is the one that minimizes electron repulsion. Chemist Stefanie Sydlik tells us how she uses VSEPR theory to design sensors that are capable of detecting landmines.
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Lecture Notes
Clicker Questions
Lecture 12 Clicker Questions (PDF)
Textbook Reading
| TOPICS | 5th EDITION | 4th EDITION |
|---|---|---|
| The Basic VSEPR Model | Section 3.1 | Section 3.1 |
| Molecules with Lone Pairs on the Central Atom | Section 3.2 | Section 3.2 |
Related Behind the Scenes at MIT Videos
Detecting Explosives To Save Lives In War Zone
Stefanie Sydlik explains how her research on designing sensors for explosives depends on the principles of VSEPR (valence shell electron pair repulsion) theory. Stefanie’s sensor design amplifies small-scale changes in bond angles following interaction with a target molecule, and she hopes that her work will lead to better detectors for landmines and improvised explosive devices.
Stefanie Sydlik’s Personal Story
Stefanie Sydlik describes how an exciting “Take Your Daughter to Work Day” convinced her to become a chemist. She considers chemistry to be a bridge between biology and physics that can help explain observations made in everyday life.