Molecular Structures and Chemical Bonds

Flashcards covering the definitions of molecules, compounds, types of chemical formulas, and various forms of chemical bonds including covalent (polar/nonpolar) and ionic bonds, along with related concepts like electronegativity and ions.

Molecule

Two or more atoms bonded together.

Compound

A molecule composed of two or more different elements.

Molecular Formula

A formula indicating the number and types of atoms in a molecule, where subscripts specify the count of each atom.

Structural Formula

A formula that shows which atoms are bonding together and whether the bonds are single, double, or triple.

Ball and Stick/Space-Filled Models

Three-dimensional representations that show a molecule's geometry and how it exists in 3D.

Valence Electrons

Unpaired electrons in an atom's outermost shell that determine how many times the atom will bond.

Covalent Bond

A chemical bond formed by the sharing of unpaired valence electrons between two atoms, allowing each atom to achieve a full outer shell.

Nonpolar Covalent Bond

A type of covalent bond where electrons are shared equally between two atoms due to similar electronegativities.

Polar Covalent Bond

A type of covalent bond where electrons are shared unequally between two atoms due to differences in electronegativity, leading to partial charges.

Electronegativity

The strength with which an atom attracts (pulls) electrons towards itself in a chemical bond.

Partial Negative Charge (δ-)

A slightly negative charge on an atom in a polar covalent bond that has higher electronegativity and pulls shared electrons more tightly.

Partial Positive Charge (δ+)

A slightly positive charge on an atom in a polar covalent bond that has lower electronegativity and consequently loses shared electrons more readily.

Ionic Bond

A chemical bond formed by the complete transfer of one or more electrons from one atom to another, resulting in attractive forces between oppositely charged ions.

Ion

An atom or molecule that carries a net electrical charge (either positive or negative).

Cation

A positively charged ion formed when an atom loses (donates) electrons.

Anion

A negatively charged ion formed when an atom gains (accepts) electrons.