Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
A molecule that can be excited by electromagnetic radiation, exhibiting various vibrational modes.
Infrared Active
Refers to a molecule that can vibrate at frequencies that match those of infrared light.
Asymmetric Stretch Vibration
A specific vibration of carbon dioxide where the two oxygen atoms move in one direction while the carbon atom moves in the opposite direction.
VSEPR Theory
Stands for Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory, which explains the shapes of molecules based on electron repulsions.
Trigonal Planar Arrangement
A molecular shape with three negative groups around a central atom, achieving minimal repulsions with a bond angle of 120 degrees.
Tetrahedral Arrangement
A molecular shape with four electron groups around a central atom, with an ideal bond angle of 109.5 degrees.
Lone Pair
A pair of valence electrons that are not shared with another atom, which affects molecular shape due to greater repulsion.
Seesaw Shape
A molecular shape that results from one lone pair and four bonding pairs in a trigonal bipyramidal arrangement.
Square Planar Shape
The shape of a molecule with four bonding pairs and two lone pairs, resulting in bond angles of 90 degrees.
Trigonal Bipyramidal Arrangement
A molecular geometry with five electron groups around a central atom, featuring equatorial and axial positions.