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WHAT IS THE SHAPE OF A MOLICULE
To find the shape of a molecule,
1) Write the Lewis dot structure for the molecule
2) Count the number of bond pairs and lone pairs around the central atom
3) Based on the total number of electron pairs ,decide on the electron pair orientation (4=tetrahedral,5=trigonal bi pyramidal,6=octahedral )
4)Consider the placement of lone pairs and any distortions from regular shape .
5)Name the shape based on the location of atoms .

For example,
  Consider PCl5 molecule ,it has 5 bond pairs in the outer shell the molecule has trigonal bi pyramidal  structure .
                                 
                            






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