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The Geometry of Molecules
As students move into the upper grades, opportunities for advanced and independent work increase – including in STEM fields.
For Chary A.'s Multivariable Calculus course, Caterina D. S. '21 and Hanson W. '21 recently completed their first project: 3D Geometry and the Bond Angle.
They built the mathematical model of a Methane molecule and calculated the bond angle using the concepts of vectors and the dot product, and then presented their findings.
They built the mathematical model of a Methane molecule and calculated the bond angle using the concepts of vectors and the dot product, and then presented their findings.
Molecular geometry is the three-dimensional arrangement of the atoms that constitute a molecule, including the general shape of the molecule, as well as bond lengths, bond angles, and torsional angles, and other geometrical parameters that determine the position of each atom. Molecular geometry can be used to understand the properties of a substance, predict biological activity, and even design drugs.
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