Before you begin the scientific investigation below, make sure to download the VSEPR Scientific Investigation Report. As you complete this scientific investigation, fill in any needed information on the report template. If you need more information about each section of the report, please visit the Developmental Module.
This scientific investigation is available below or in a printable version.
Introduction
The VSEPR theory explains that bonding and non-bonding pairs of atoms will always try to be as far apart as possible. This is because of their like charges, which repel one another. In this activity, you will investigate the VSEPR theory using balloons to represent atoms.
Objectives
In this scientific investigation, you will:
Hypothesis
Using the Procedure and Data Collection section below, read through the procedural information for this scientific investigation. Based on your understanding of the procedure, develop your own hypotheses which describe your expected results. Specifically, how do you think the arrangement of each group of balloons will relate to a VSEPR shape? Record these hypotheses in the Hypothesis section of your VSEPR Scientific Investigation Report.
Equipment and Materials
Procedure and Data Collection
Data Analysis
In the Data Analysis section of your VSEPR Scientific Investigation Report, provide responses to the following questions:
Conclusion
Using the Conclusion section of your VSEPR Scientific Investigation Report, compose three to four sentences describing an overall conclusion based on your data. Were your hypotheses true or false, and how do you know? Use the data and notes that you collected from your investigation to form your conclusion. Make sure that you include information that you gained from data analysis to support your conclusion.
Experimental Sources of Error
On your VSEPR Scientific Investigation Report, provide responses to the following questions: Are there any sources of error? If so, what are they, and what could be done to minimize error?
Once you have completed your VSEPR Scientific Investigation Report, please submit your work to the dropbox.