Molecular Geometry and VSEPR Theory

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to molecular geometry and VSEPR theory from the lecture notes.

Molecular Geometry

The three-dimensional arrangement of the atoms within a molecule that determines how it reacts.

Electron Domain

Regions around the central atom where electrons are found, including single bonds, double bonds, or nonbonding pairs.

Bonding Pairs

Pairs of shared electrons that form bonds between atoms.

Nonbonding Pairs

Electron pairs that are not involved in bonding, also known as lone pairs.

VSEPR Theory

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory, which predicts molecular geometry based on minimizing electron pair repulsions.

Linear Shape

A molecular shape where all atoms are arranged in a straight line, typically resulting from two bonding domains.

Trigonal Planar Shape

A molecular shape with three bonding domains arranged in a flat plane.

Tetrahedral Shape

A molecular shape with four bonding domains arranged around a central atom.

Bent Shape

A molecular shape where two atoms are bonded to a central atom with nonbonding pairs affecting the angle.

Electron Repulsion

The phenomenon where negatively charged electron pairs repel each other, influencing molecular shape.