Ch. 15 - VSEPR Theory

What does VSEPR stand for?

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion

What is VSEPR theory?

It illustrates a molecule’s molecular geometry

What is molecular geometry?

The 3D arrangement of atoms within a molecule

How many basic shapes do VSEPR molecules have?

Five

What are the basic shapes of VSEPR molecules?

(LOTTT)

Linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal, and octahedral

What are the two categories of covalent bonds?

Polar and nonpolar

What does polarity determine?

Physical properties

(e.g., boiling point, melting point, solubility, and intermolecular interactions)

Are ionic bonds polar or nonpolar bonds?

Polar bonds

What is the difference between polar and nonpolar bonds?

Nonpolar bonds equally share the electrons between them, while polar bonds unequally share them

What is a dipole?

The difference in charge between the two uneven sides of a polar covalent bond

What values are used to classify a bond as polar covalent, nonpolar covalent or ionic?

Electronegativity values

What is the dipole moment?

An arrow on a dot diagram that points to the more electronegative atom

What determines the shape of a molecule and how its electron pairs occupy space?

Molecular polarity

What does the SNAP mnemonic stand for?

Symmetrical molecules are Nonpolar and Asymmetric molecules are Polar

Can a molecule be nonpolar but have bonds that are polar?

Yes