Chemical Bonds and Molecular Structure

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to chemical bonding and molecular structure, as discussed in the lecture.

Covalent Bond

A bond formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms, typically between nonmetals.

Ionic Bond

A bond formed through the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, typically between a metal and a nonmetal.

Polar Covalent Bond

A type of covalent bond where electrons are shared unequally between two atoms due to a difference in electronegativity.

Nonpolar Covalent Bond

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

Resonance

The condition when more than one valid Lewis structure can be drawn for a molecule.

Tetrahedral Molecule

A molecular shape characterized by four bonded atoms arranged around a central atom, with bond angles of approximately 109.5 degrees.

Lewis Structure

A diagram representing the covalent bonds between atoms and the lone pairs of electrons in a molecule.

Electronegativity

A measure of the tendency of an atom to attract a bonding pair of electrons.

London Dispersion Forces

Weak intermolecular forces that arise from temporary shifts in the electron cloud of atoms or nonpolar molecules.

Molecular Geometry

The three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule as determined by the VSEPR theory.

Lone Pair

A pair of valence electrons that are not involved in bonding.

Intermolecular Forces

Forces of attraction or repulsion between neighboring particles (molecules, atoms, or ions).

Valence Electrons

Electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that are involved in forming bonds.

Chemical Bond

An attraction between atoms that allows the formation of chemical substances.

VSEPR Theory

A model used to predict the shape of molecules based on the repulsion between electron pairs.

Molecular Solid

A solid composed of molecules held together by intermolecular forces, typically nonmetallic.

Cation

A positively charged ion formed when an atom loses electrons.

Anion

A negatively charged ion formed when an atom gains electrons.

Bond Angle

The angle formed between two bonds that originate from the same atom.

Triple Bond

A type of covalent bond where three pairs of electrons are shared between two atoms.

Double Bond

A type of covalent bond where two pairs of electrons are shared between two atoms.