Molecular Geometry and Electron Domains

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to molecular geometry and electron domains based on the lecture notes.

Electron Domain

Regions around a central atom where electrons are likely to be found, including bonding pairs and lone pairs.

Bonding Electron Pair

A pair of electrons shared between two atoms in a chemical bond.

Non-bonding Electron Pair

Lone pairs of electrons that are not involved in bonding.

Linear Geometry

A molecular shape where atoms are arranged in a straight line; bond angle is 180°.

Planar Triangular Geometry

A molecular shape with three bonding electron pairs arranged around a central atom; bond angles are approximately 120°.

Tetrahedral Geometry

A molecular shape with four bonding pairs of electrons around a central atom; bond angles are about 109.5°.

Pyramidal Geometry

A molecular shape with three bonding pairs and one lone pair around the central atom, resulting in a bond angle of less than 109.5°.

V-shaped (Bent) Geometry

A molecular shape where there are two bonding pairs and one or two lone pairs, with bond angles typically around 104.5°.

Triangular Bipyramidal Geometry

A molecular shape with five electron domains; bond angles are 120° (equatorial) and 90° (axial).

Octahedral Geometry

A molecular shape with six bonding pairs, where all bond angles are 90°.

Square Pyramidal Geometry

A molecular shape with five bonding pairs and one lone pair, typically resulting in bond angles less than 90°.

Square Planar Geometry

A molecular shape with four bonding pairs and two lone pairs, with bond angles of 90°.