M330: Molecular Structures – VSEPR Theory – 6 Balloons
Introduction
Six balloons tied together in a bunch arrange themselves in an octahedral fashion. As balloons are popped the resulting number conforms to the molecular shapes of VSEPR theory.
To Conduct Demonstration
- Show six balloons in octahedral arrangement. Pull tightly on the slack end of the string to enhance the shape.
- Pop one balloons. Show how the five now conform to trigonal bipyramidal shape.
- Continue popping balloons one at a time, showing resulting arrangements (4 is tetrahedral, 3 is trigonal planar, 2 is linear).
Note: Do not pull short end of string through the glass tube after balloons are popped!