Describe the molecular geometry around the carbon and oxygen atoms in oxalic acid. Make sure you include the bond angles.

We can't draw these things on the board but here is a site that should get you started. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxalic_acid

To determine the molecular geometry around carbon and oxygen atoms in oxalic acid, we first need to understand the Lewis structure of the molecule. Oxalic acid, also known as ethanedioic acid, has the chemical formula (COOH)₂.

To draw the Lewis structure, start by placing the carbon atom in the center. Then, place one oxygen atom on either side of the carbon atom. Each oxygen atom forms a double bond with the carbon atom, and each oxygen atom also has a single bond to a hydrogen atom.

The Lewis structure of oxalic acid can be represented as:

H H
| |
H-C-C-O-O-H
| |
H H

Now, to determine the molecular geometry, we consider the positions of the atoms and lone pairs around the central carbon and oxygen atoms. Using this information, we consider the VSEPR theory (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory).

The central carbon atom in oxalic acid is bonded to two oxygen atoms and has two lone pairs of electrons. Due to the repulsion between electron pairs, the molecule adopts a geometry called "bent" or "v-shaped." This means that the atoms and lone pairs form a bent shape around the central carbon atom.

The oxygen atoms in oxalic acid are each bonded to a carbon and a hydrogen atom. Each oxygen atom also has two sets of lone pairs. Since there are only two electron groups around each oxygen atom, the molecular geometry around oxygen is also "bent" or "v-shaped."

This results in the following molecular geometry:

H H
| |
H-C-C-O-O-H
| |
H H

To determine the bond angles, we can recognize that the bent or v-shaped molecular geometry typically results in bond angles close to 120 degrees.

In summary, the molecular geometry around the carbon atom and oxygen atoms in oxalic acid is bent or v-shaped. The bond angles between the oxygen atoms and the central carbon atom are close to 120 degrees.