What is the difference between a square pyramidal and a trigonal bipyramidal? I know that the square has a square base and that trigonal bipyramidals have 5 atoms bonded to it but when I have questions that have 5 atoms bonded they end up being squares instead of trigonals. What I'm trying to say is when do classify a compound as either?
When classifying a compound as either square pyramidal or trigonal bipyramidal, you typically consider its molecular geometry. Molecular geometry refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule.
In a square pyramidal compound, there is a central atom bonded to five other atoms. Four of these atoms are located in a square planar arrangement around the central atom, while the fifth atom is above or below the plane, giving the molecule a pyramid-like shape.
In a trigonal bipyramidal compound, the central atom is bonded to five other atoms as well. The atoms are arranged in a trigonal bipyramidal shape, where three of the atoms are in one plane and the other two atoms are located above and below this plane.
So, to differentiate between the two, you need to consider the arrangement of the five bonded atoms around the central atom. If the atoms form a square planar arrangement, it is a square pyramidal compound. If the atoms form a trigonal bipyramidal arrangement, it is a trigonal bipyramidal compound.
It is important to note that the shape of a compound might depend on various factors like the number of lone pairs on the central atom, electronic repulsion, and the presence of different electronegative atoms in the molecule. These factors can influence the geometry and sometimes result in deviations from the ideal shapes of square pyramidal or trigonal bipyramidal. In such cases, the classification may require more detailed analysis, considering the specific molecular properties and bonding angles.