do we need to know vsepr theory for the mcat?

[abcxyz0123]

In examkrackers VSEPR theory is not discussed; however, in the TPR review books they go through it. I looked at the MCAT topics list and it wasnt mentioned in there, but i wasn't sure if it might have been listed as something else. Does anybody know for sure whether this is on the mcat or not? I don't want to waste time memorizing crap about shapes if i don't have to.

thanks!

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[Lilah]

In examkrackers VSEPR theory is not discussed; however, in the TPR review books they go through it. I looked at the MCAT topics list and it wasnt mentioned in there, but i wasn't sure if it might have been listed as something else. Does anybody know for sure whether this is on the mcat or not? I don't want to waste time memorizing crap about shapes if i don't have to.

thanks!

I don't think it's important. The only related question I've come across was 1 question about the shape of the P orbital in some practice test.

I think the only reason I even remember that is because it's so rare.

 

[R.P. McMurphy]

In examkrackers VSEPR theory is not discussed; however, in the TPR review books they go through it. I looked at the MCAT topics list and it wasnt mentioned in there, but i wasn't sure if it might have been listed as something else. Does anybody know for sure whether this is on the mcat or not? I don't want to waste time memorizing crap about shapes if i don't have to.

thanks!

heeeeeeeeeeeeeel no. TPR is crazy.....if you are asked questions about VSEPR theory, they will be ones that can be answered based on information from a passage.

another thing: some of these review companies (like Kaplan and TPR) like to review subjects that appear on the MCAT a lot, but are not necessarily on the AAMC list. For example, i'm sure passages about VESPR theory have appeared frequently on the MCAT, but they can always be answered from passage info. They just try to get you familiar with it so that if you run into a passage you might be able to attack it faster. But, your never going to find a discrete about VESPR theory....

 

[NontradICUdoc]

You need to know the basis of the valence shell electron pair repulsion theory. How else are you going to answer questions regarding shapes of molecules?

 

[EddieIndy]

I think you DO need to know that. They definitely might ask you to find the shape of a specific molecule.

 

[R.P. McMurphy]

I think you DO need to know that. They definitely might ask you to find the shape of a specific molecule.

but you can understand basic shapes of molecules without knowing the details of VESPR theory.....VESPR theory can get very detailed, thats why it's not listed on the AAMC list....

 

[remo]

There was a stand-alone question on my April test that asked the shape of some molecule. It was a hard one too because it was an ion and not just a regular molecule that you are used to seeing. It was only 1 question though.

 

[jackieMD2007]

Probably know the basics, like tetrahedral, trigonal planar, etc...

That stuff is pretty basic and goes along with your lewis dot structures and stuff. It is quick review, easy points if you get a discreet.

I had one this April. Only one though.

 

[HunterGatherer]

I ran across questions on practice AAMC exams regarding the name of the shape and size of angles using VSEPR. It does not even take an hour to go over this info so I would definitely learn it. For this topic I think I supplemented what was in EK with my Zumdahl Chemistry book and looked at some websites I found via google.

Probably know the basics, like tetrahedral, trigonal planar, etc...

That stuff is pretty basic and goes along with your lewis dot structures and stuff. It is quick review, easy points if you get a discreet.

I had one this April. Only one though.

 

[gujuDoc]

I wouldn't know a detailed analysis of Vsepr theory. But I'd know the basic shapes and geometries of Sp, sp2, sp3, sp3d and sp3d2 stuff which isn't too hard to memorize.

Oh and I'd know what the 4 quantum levels tell you about an orbital. Other then that, I wouldn't know specifics and too detailed stuff.

If qustions on this topic appear on the MCAT practice tests or real deal, it will be in an independent question asking something as basic as what is the geometry of NH4+ or something of that nature. It will not be anything too complicated.

 

[kevster2001]

not really. just know the basic concept of electrons wanting to be far away.

 

[TPROrgoTutor]

not really. just know the basic concept of electrons wanting to be far away.

I look at many mcat forms and questions and it does come up from time to time on mcat questions. Tell what shape this has blah blah (square bipyramidal is usually the answer btw)

 

[HunterGatherer]

I look at many mcat forms and questions and it does come up from time to time on mcat questions. Tell what shape this has blah blah (square bipyramidal is usually the answer btw)

I've seen questions on the name of the shape or size of angles in molecule on AAMC exams.