How to determine bond angles? Give me the answer as if I was 5 years old.
1 Answer
If you only want to estimate bond angles for regular, symmetrical molecules that you learn when you learn VSEPR theory, then it is much easier to explain. Assume that if you got the VSEPR structure correct, that each atom on the molecule is as evenly spaced in space as possible.
This is easiest to understand if you consider a trigonal planar structure as an example. That is just three atoms connected to one central atom, evenly spaced over
If I took you literally, there is no "5-year-old" answer.
Bond angles are calculated using computers via complex computational methods, and through continual trial-and-error and refinement of those methods. If I go further into detail than that (or even name what those methods are), then that would be on the level of graduate students (past college).
