Chapter 10 - The Shapes of Molecules

stepwise process

A(n) ________ converts a molecular formula into a Lewis structure, a two- dimensional representation of a molecule (or ion) that shows the placement of atoms and the distribution of valence electrons among bonding and lone pairs.

Formal charges

________ can be beneficial in determining which contributor to the hybrid is more important, but experimental data always determines the option.

Complex behaviors

________ in many species, such as mating, defense, navigation, and eating, have been discovered by biologists to rely on one molecule's structure matching that of another.

polyatomic ion

To write a Lewis structure, we first decide on the relative position of the atoms in the molecule or ________, and then we distribute the total amount of valence electrons as bonding and lone pairs.

electron groups

Deviations arise when the bonds are different (structure II), the surrounding atoms are different (structure III), or one or more of the ________ are nonbonding groups (structure IV)

Valence-shell electron-pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory

___________ states that in order to reduce repulsions, each group of valence electrons around a core atom should be as far apart as possible from the others.

octet rule

The ________ (Section 9.1) assists us in dispersing electrons in many, but not all, circumstances.

three dimensional arrangement of nuclei

The ________ linked by bonding groups is known as the molecular shape.

Lewis Structure

relative position of the atoms in the molecule or polyatomic ion, and then we distribute the total amount of valence electrons as bonding and lone pairs

Formal charges

can be beneficial in determining which contributor to the hybrid is more important, but experimental data always determines the option.

Bond angle

angle created by the bonds connecting the nuclei of two surrounding atoms to the center atom's nucleus, which is at the vertex