Molecular Geometry and Molecular Polarity

These flashcards cover key concepts from molecular geometry, molecular polarity, and basic organic chemistry.

What determines the shape of a molecule?

The shape of a molecule is determined by electron domains around the central atom.

What does VSEPR stand for?

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion.

What is the molecular geometry for a molecule with 2 bonding pairs and 0 lone pairs?

Linear.

In VSEPR theory, which type of electron pair repulsion is the strongest?

Lone pair-lone pair repulsion.

What is the bond angle for a trigonal planar molecular geometry?

120 degrees.

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

Linear.

What is the general formula for alkanes?

CnH2n+2.

What happens to dipole moments in a non-polar molecule?

Dipole moments cancel out, resulting in no net dipole moment.

What is the molecular geometry of water (H₂O)?

Bent.

What is the bond angle for a tetrahedral molecular geometry?

Approximately 109.5 degrees.

What type of molecular geometry does phosphorus pentachloride (PCl₅) have?

Trigonal bipyramidal.

How many distinct molecular geometries are highlighted in the notes?

Four distinct molecular geometries.

What characterizes a polar molecule?

Electrons are unevenly distributed, resulting in a net dipole moment.

What is the indication of resonance structures in molecules?

Resonance structures depict different ways to arrange electrons in the molecule.