concept 4.2: carbon atoms can form diverse molecules by bonding to four other atoms

what does electron configuration determine

the kinds and number of bonds an atom will form with other atoms

why is carbon able to form four covalent bonds

because it has four valence electrons

describe the shape of a carbon molecule bonded with four other molecules

tetrahedral

what kind of bond forms between atoms of the same element

non polar bonds form between two of the same molecule because they have the same attractive force on the electrons

what is an atoms “valence”

the number of unpaired electrons in the valence shell of an atom or the number of covalent bonds it can form

what causes molecular diversity

variation in carbon skeletons or carbon “partnering” with atoms other than hydrogen

what is a hydrocarbon

organic molecules consisting of only carbon and hydrogen

are hydrocarbons polar or nonpolar

hydrocarbons are nonpolar

what is an isomer

compounds with the same molecular formular but different structures and properties

what is a cis-trans or geometric isomer

have the same covalent bonds but differ in their spatial arrangements

what is an enantiomer

isomers that are mirror images of eachother

where are enantiomers valuable

in pharmaceutical industry

what is an asymmetric carbon

when a carbon is attached to 4 different atoms or groups