What is the difference between tetrahedral and pyramidal

Chemistry Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for scientists, academics, teachers, and students in the field of chemistry. It only takes a minute to sign up. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. The shapes respectively denoted by ' tetrahedron ' and ' trigonal pyramid ' seem to be the same.

Is there a difference between the two? If not, why are the two presented as different concepts in introductory chemistry courses? In a rigorous geometrical sense, there is no difference between tetrahedron and trigonal pyramid --the terms both mean the same thing. In colloquial and chemical use, however, 'tetrahedron' typically implies the ' regular tetrahedron ', where all four faces are equilateral triangles.

Chemically speaking, when referring to these two shapes as descriptors of molecular geometries, there is usually a central atom in addition to the four atoms at the vertices. In the symmetrically-proper regular-tetrahedral geometry, the central atom is inside the solid volume of the tetrahedron and equidistant from all of the four vertex atoms.

A handy guide to visualise and explain the chemical differences between tetrahedron and trigonal pyramid geometries comes from the The Nobel Prize in Chemistry Gerhard Herzberg page:.

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Bond polarity is determined through the bonds of the atoms in the molecule. Molecular polarity, on the other hand, is determined by the shape of the molecule. A trigonal pyramid, on the other hand, has one lone atom and three identical atoms at its corners. Tetrahedral molecules are non-polar while trigonal pyramids are polar.

Difference Between Tetrahedral and Trigonal Pyramid. Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects. MLA 8 K, Maureen. Name required. Email required. Please note: comment moderation is enabled and may delay your comment. There is no need to resubmit your comment. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Written by : maureen. User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury.

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