About Molecule Shapes
Explore molecule shapes by building molecules in 3D! How does molecule shape change with different numbers of bonds and electron pairs? Find out by adding single, double or triple bonds and lone pairs to the central atom. Then, compare the model to real molecules!
How to play Molecule Shapes
Everything is hands-on: drag, click and experiment — the simulation reacts instantly. Explore molecule shapes by building molecules in 3D!
Questions & answers
- What is Molecule Shapes?
- Molecule Shapes is a free interactive simulation from PhET Interactive Simulations (University of Colorado Boulder) that you can play right in your browser on crumble.lol — no downloads and no sign-up. Explore molecule shapes by building molecules in 3D! How does molecule shape change with different numbers of bonds and electron pairs?
- What can kids learn from Molecule Shapes?
- It helps kids explore: recognize that molecule geometry is due to repulsions between electron groups. recognize the difference between electron and molecular geometry. name molecule and electron geometries for molecules with up to six electron groups surrounding a central atom. compare bond angle predictions from the vsepr-based model to real molecules. describe how lone pairs affect bond angles in real molecules.
- What age is Molecule Shapes good for?
- It is designed for high school up to university, and curious kids outside that range can absolutely enjoy poking around it too.
- Is Molecule Shapes free to play?
- Yes — Molecule Shapes is completely free on crumble.lol and runs fully in your browser on computers and tablets.