Applying+Past+knowledge+to+New+Situations

Reflection:

Just yesterday we completed an assignment learning about VSEPR theory, which explains the shape of molecules based on the position of the electrons within the molecules. At first I was quite confused with the assignment. So many factors had to be considered in determining the shape of the molecule, such as the position of electrons and whether there were invisible electrons. Thinking three dimensionally was also mind-boggling.

Then I started reflecting on the things I had previously learned to help me with this assignment. I reflected on the affect of electrons and their charges. Because electrons have negative charges they must stay as far as possible from one another. I also thought about the things I learned 2 years back in geometry. Constantly reminding myself of the angles helped me make conclusions such as: there are 360 degrees in a circle, so a linear shape must mean that there 180 degrees between the molecules.

Reviewing these concepts before doing the activity quickened my comprehension of the VSEPR theory. This kind of re-enforcement is definitely useful I think that applying past knowledge to a new situation will become a new habit of mine.

Here you can find a picture of the notes I took in the assignment as well as the models we constructed using our previous and new knowledge:



