Chapter 4: Molecular Compounds and Intermolecular Forces

Vocabulary flashcards covering key definitions and concepts related to molecular compounds, covalent bonding, Lewis structures, and bonding capacities.

Molecular Compound

A pure substance composed of molecules made up of two or more non-metals sharing electrons.

Molecular Element

A pure substance composed of molecules made up of two or more atoms of the same element.

Diatomic

Made up of two atoms.

Covalent Bond

The bond that results from the sharing of a pair of electrons by two atoms.

Valence Electrons

The number of electrons in the highest occupied energy level (outermost shell).

Lewis Structures

A representation of covalent bonding based on Lewis symbols, a model in which shared pairs of electrons are shown as lines and unshared electrons are shown as dots.

Bonding Electron

An electron, in the valence shell of an atom, that is available to form a covalent bond with another atom.

Lone Pair

A pair of electrons that is not involved in covalent bonding.

Bonding Capacity

The number of covalent bonds that an atom can form.

Octet Rule

Rule stating that when atoms combine they want to achieve a fuller outer energy level.

Lewis Symbols and Bonding Capacity Table

A chart outlining the Group, Number of Valence Electrons, Lewis Symbol, and Bonding Capacity for hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine.