7C - VSEPR and Molecular Polarity

A set of practice flashcards derived from Chemistry lecture notes on VSEPR theory and molecular polarity focusing on key concepts, definitions, and examples.

What is VSEPR?

The Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory states that electron pairs around a central atom will arrange themselves to minimize repulsion.

What does VSEPR inform us about a molecule?

It provides information about electron geometry, molecular geometry, bond angles, and the presence of a dipole moment.

How does electron geometry differ from molecular geometry?

Electron geometry considers all electron domains, while molecular geometry considers only the bonded domains.

What is an electron domain?

An electron domain is a region where electrons are most likely to be found, such as lone pairs or bonds.

What is a dipole in the context of molecular polarity?

A dipole is a separation of positive and negative charges within a molecule, resulting in polar characteristics.

How is the polarity of a bond determined?

Bond polarity is determined by the difference in electronegativity between the two atoms involved.

What characterizes a polar molecule?

A polar molecule is asymmetrical and has an uneven distribution of electrical charge.

What characterizes a nonpolar molecule?

A nonpolar molecule is symmetrical and has an even distribution of electrical charge.

What impact do lone pairs have on molecular shape?

Lone pairs can create asymmetry in a molecule, often leading to polar characteristics.

How can dipoles be shown in bonding diagrams?

Dipoles can be represented with arrows pointing from the less electronegative atom towards the more electronegative atom.

What is a net dipole?

The total of all individual bond pulls

What if the Net Dipole = 0

Means that the pull gets canceled out and everything is symmetrical and Nonpolar

What if the Net Dipole =\ 0

Pulls are unequal and asymmetrical meaning they won’t get canceled out and there is a strong one sided pull so Polar

If a pair has 0 Nonbonding Domains and 2 Bonding Domains, what is its molecular/electron geometry and bond angle?

It is Linear with a 180 degree bond angle.

If a pair has 0 nonbonding electrons domains and 3 bonding electron domains what will be its molecular/electron geometry and bond angle?

Trigonal Planar with a 120 degree bond angle.

If a pair has 0 nonbonding electron domains and 4 bonding electron domains what will be its molecular/electron geometry and bond angle?

Tetrahedral and a 109.5 bond angle.

If a pair has 0 nonbonding electron domains and 5 bonding electron domains what will be its molecular/electron geometry and bond angle?

Trigonal Pyramidal and 120 and 90 degree bond angle

If a pair has 0 nonbonding electron domains and 6 bonding electron domains what will be its molecular/electron geometry and bond angle?

Octahedral and a 90 degree bond angle

If a pair has 1 nonbonding electron domains and 2 bonding electron domains what will be its molecular/electron geometry and bond angle?

It will have a Trigonal Planar EG with a Bent MG and a 120 or 109.5 degree angle

If a pair has 2 nonbonding electron domains and 2 bonding electron domains what will be its molecular/electron geometry and bond angle?

It will have a Tetrahedral EG and a Bent MG with a 109.5 bond angle

If a pair has 1 nonbonding electron domains and 3 bonding electron domains what will be its molecular/electron geometry and bond angle?

It will have a Trigonal Plane EG and a Bent MG with a 109.5 degree bond angle

If a pair has 1 nonbonding electron domains and 3 bonding electron domains what will be its molecular/electron geometry and bond angle?

It will have a Tetrahedral EG and a Trigonal Pyramidal MG with a 109.5 bong angle