L12: Valence Bond Theory and Hybridization

Valence Bond Theory helps us understand how atoms bond by __________ electrons through overlapping orbitals.

sharing

___ is a way for atoms to mix their __________ to create new types of orbitals for more effective bonding.

Hybridization, electron orbitals

___ (σ) bonds are the ___ formed between two atoms when their orbitals ___ directly.

Sigma, first bonds, overlap

__ (π) bonds are formed when orbitals overlap __________ and __________ the bond axis and occur in double and triple bonds.

pi, above, below

In a hydrogen molecule (H₂), the two hydrogen atoms share their electrons to form a __________ bond.

sigma

In ethylene (C₂H₄), carbon atoms form a double bond with one __________ bond and one __________ bond.

sigma, pi

In methane (CH₄), the carbon atom has one 1s and three 2p orbitals that mix to form four __________ hybrid orbitals.

sp^3

The shape of methane (CH₄) is a __________ because the four sp³ orbitals point toward the corners of this shape.

tetrahedron

In ammonia (NH₃), the nitrogen atom has one lone pair and three bonding pairs, resulting in __________ hybridization.

sp^3

The shape of ammonia (NH₃) is __________ due to the lone pair of electrons pushing the hydrogen atoms down.

pyramid

In ethylene (C₂H₄), the carbon atoms use one 1s and two 2p orbitals to form three __________ hybrid orbitals.

sp^2

The shape of ethylene (C₂H₄) is __________ and triangular because of the sp² hybridization.

flat (planar)

Valence Bond Theory (VBT) explains how atoms stick together by overlapping

orbitals

Hybridization helps atoms mix their orbitals to form new ones that make __________ easier.

bonding

Sigma (σ) bonds involve direct orbital overlap, while pi (π) bonds happen __________ and __________ the bond axis.

above, below

Methane (CH₄) has __________ hybridization and a __________ shape.

sp^3, tetrahedral

Ammonia (NH₃) has __________ hybridization and a __________ shape.

sp^3, pyramidal

Ethylene (C₂H₄) has __________ hybridization and a __________ shape.

sp^2, planar