ch. 8.3

VSEPR theory

states that repulsion between the sets of valence-level electrons surrounding an atom causes these sets to be oriented as far apart as possible

hybridization

the mixing of two or more atomic orbitals of similar energies on the same atom to produce equivalent hybrid orbitals of equal energies

Explain how the VSEPR theory can be used to predict the shapes of molecules

the repulsion between electron pairs causes molecular shapes to adjust so that the valence-electron pairs stay as far apart as possible

bonding orbital

A molecular orbital that can be occupied by two electrons of a covalent bond.

How are atomic and molecular orbitals related?

Atomic orbital make molecular orbital. When two atoms combine, their atomic orbitals overlap to produce molecular orbitals. Just as an atomic orbital belongs to a particular atom, a molecular orbital belongs to a molecule as a whole. Both atomic and molecular orbitals are required to fill with 2 electrons.

What do scientists use the VSEPR theory for?​

In order to explain the three-dimensional shape of molecules

In what ways is orbital hybridization useful in describing molecules?​

Orbital hybridization is useful because it provides information about both molecular bonding and molecular shape.

How is orbital hybrization useful in describing molecules

Orbital hybridization provides information about both molecular bonding and molecular shape

sp2 (3sigma bond+1 pi bond) sp3 (4 sigma bond) sp

Trigonal Planar Tetrahedral Linear

tetrahedral angle

a bond angle of 109.5 degrees that results when a central atom forms four bonds directed toward the center of a regular tetrahedron

pi bond

a bond that is formed when parallel orbitals overlap to share electrons. a covalent bond in which the bonding electrons are most likely to be found in sausage-shaped regions above and below the bond axis of the bonded atoms

sigma bond

a single covalent bond that is formed when an electron pair is shared by the direct overlap of bonding orbitals. When two atomic orbitals combine to form a molecular orbital that is symmetrical around the axis connecting two atomic nuclei

molecular orbitals

an orbital resulting from an overlapping of atomic orbitals when two atoms combine