U6L4 - Pre Flashcard - Molecular Shape

Front

What determines molecular shape in a molecule?

Back

Electron densities created by the overlap of the orbitals of shared electrons.

Front

What is the VSEPR model?

Back

A model used to determine molecular shape based on minimizing the repulsion of shared and unshared electron pairs around the central atom.

Front

What type of hybrid orbitals are formed in a carbon atom in methane?

Back

sp³ orbitals, formed from one s orbital and three p orbitals.

Front

What is hybridization in chemistry?

Back

A process in which atomic orbitals mix to form new, identical hybrid orbitals.

Front

What is the significance of electron pair repulsion in molecular geometry?

Back

It helps determine the shape of the molecule by influencing the arrangement of electron pairs around the central atom.

Front

Define molecular geometry.

Back

The three-dimensional arrangement of the atoms in a molecule.

Front

What is a central atom in a molecule?

Back

The atom that is bonded to two or more other atoms and is typically the least electronegative.

Front

What does the term 'bond angle' refer to?

Back

The angle formed between two bonds that originate from the same atom.

Front

What is the difference between shared and unshared electron pairs?

Back

Shared electron pairs are involved in bonding between atoms, while unshared (or lone) pairs are not involved in bonding.

Front

How does the presence of lone pairs affect molecular shape?

Back

Lone pairs occupy space and can repel bonding pairs, altering the bond angles and overall shape of the molecule.