Molecular Geometry, Polarity, and Intermolecular Forces of Attraction

A set of flashcards based on key concepts of Molecular Geometry, Polarity, and Intermolecular Forces derived from lecture notes.

What are the three-dimensional shapes of molecules important for?

They determine if a hormone molecule (or drug) is recognized by a receptor.

are vitally important to living things

What are the five basic types of molecular geometries?

Linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, trigonal pyramidal, and bent.

What theory predicts the arrangement of electron groups around a central atom?

VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory.

How is electron geometry defined?

It is the relative position of groups of electrons around the central atom.

What is the difference between electron geometry and molecular geometry?

Electron geometry considers all groups of electrons, while molecular geometry considers only atom positions.

What is a linear molecular geometry associated with?

Two electron groups around the central atom.

What are the bond angles for tetrahedral, trigonal planar, and linear geometries?

Tetrahedral: 109.5°, Trigonal planar: 120°, Linear: 180°.

What is electronegativity?

It is the ability of an atom to draw electrons toward its nucleus when part of a covalent bond.

What determines if a bond is polar or nonpolar?

The difference in electronegativity between the atoms involved in the bond.

What is a polar covalent bond?

A bond with a separation of charge due to differences in electronegativity.

What types of intermolecular forces exist between molecules?

Dispersion forces, dipole-dipole forces, and hydrogen bonding.

What are hydrogen bonds?

Strong dipole-dipole forces that occur between molecules containing N-H, O-H, or H-F bonds.

How do dispersion forces form?

Electrons in nonpolar compounds shift, creating temporary dipoles that induce dipoles in nearby molecules.

What characterizes a nonpolar molecule?

All bonds are nonpolar, or the molecule has symmetrical geometry with identical polar bonds.

What are characteristics of polar molecules?

They have one polar bond, or they have multiple polar bonds with unsymmetrical molecular geometry.

Why are intermolecular forces weaker than covalent bonds?

They result from attractions between molecules rather than interactions between atoms.

How does hydrogen bonding affect water?

It allows water molecules to form strong interactions, influencing its liquid and solid states.