VSEPR Theory, Hybridization, and Molecular Geometry in Chemistry

What principle explains the shape of a molecule based on electron repulsion?

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR)

What determines molecular geometry?

The number of bonds and nonbonding electrons on given atoms within the molecule.

What is the relationship between electron domains and orbital hybridization?

The number of electron domains determines the orbital hybridization of an atom.

What is the hybridization for a molecule with 4 electron domains?

sp3 hybridization.

What is the hybridization for a molecule with 3 electron domains?

sp2 hybridization.

What is the hybridization for a molecule with 5 electron domains?

sp3d hybridization.

What is the hybridization for a molecule with 6 electron domains?

sp3d2 hybridization.

What is the electron domain geometry for sp hybridized molecules?

Linear.

What is the electron domain geometry for sp2 hybridized molecules?

Trigonal planar.

What molecular shapes can sp3 hybridized molecules have?

Tetrahedral, trigonal pyramidal, or bent.

How do non-bonding electrons affect molecular geometry?

Non-bonding electrons occupy more space than bonding electrons, distorting angles from ideal geometries.

What is the ideal bond angle for tetrahedral geometry?

109.5 degrees.

What is the ideal bond angle for trigonal planar geometry?

120 degrees.

What type of bond is formed by the overlap of orbitals along the internuclear axis?

Sigma (σ) bond.

What types of bonds are present in a double bond?

One sigma (σ) bond and one pi (π) bond.

What types of bonds are present in a triple bond?

One sigma (σ) bond and two pi (π) bonds.

What is the significance of resonance structures in molecular bonding?

The actual molecular structure is a mixture of the resonance structures, indicating delocalized electrons.

What is the molecular geometry of carbon dioxide (CO2)?

Linear, with two polar bonds that cancel each other.

What is the net dipole moment of a molecule with polar bonds that cancel each other?

Zero net dipole moment.

What is the hybridization and geometry of benzene (C6H6)?

sp2 hybridization with a planar geometry.

What is the effect of multiple bonds on bond angles in trigonal planar molecules?

Multiple bonds occupy more space than single bonds, distorting angles from 120 degrees.

What is the role of unpaired electrons in bond formation?

Unpaired electrons are required to form bonds.

How does hybridization affect the energy levels of orbitals?

Hybridized orbital energy levels fall between the energy levels of the original orbitals used to produce them.

What is the geometry of acetic acid (CH3COOH)?

Contains multiple geometries: tetrahedral, trigonal planar, and bent.

What happens to bond lengths as nuclear repulsion increases?

Increased nuclear repulsion limits bond length.

What is the effect of lone pairs on the geometry of molecules?

Lone pairs can distort the ideal bond angles and shape of the molecule.