Molecular geometry atlas
Compare linear, bent, planar, pyramidal and tetrahedral molecules.
Live model
Drag with a mouse or one finger to rotate. Use the zoom control or mouse wheel to move closer.
Water
H2O
Module 3 of 13
Description of this simulation
Water (H2O): Molecular geometry atlas — Bent. Two lone pairs compress the H–O–H angle and leave a strong net dipole.
Live result
Bent
Two lone pairs compress the H–O–H angle and leave a strong net dipole.
Molecule at a glance
- Geometry
- Bent
- Symmetry
- C₂v
- Polarity
- Polar
- Bond angle
- 104.5°
What this model shows — and what it simplifies
Geometry names follow the arrangement of atomic nuclei in the equilibrium structure; the drawing rotates as a projection without changing that molecular geometry.
Where do we see this in real life?
Shape controls whether a molecule fits an enzyme, binds a receptor or packs into a crystal—the same formula in the wrong geometry can behave completely differently.