Molecular Geometry Flashcard

Front

What is molecular geometry?

Back

Molecular geometry refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within a molecule, which affects its physical and chemical properties.

Front

What determines the shape of a molecule?

Back

The shape of a molecule is determined by the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs of electrons around the central atom.

Front

What is a central atom in a molecule?

Back

The central atom is the atom in a molecule that is bonded to two or more other atoms and is typically the atom with the highest valence.

Front

What is a lone pair?

Back

A lone pair is a pair of valence electrons that are not shared with another atom and are not involved in bonding.

Front

What is the VSEPR theory?

Back

The Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory is a model used to predict the geometry of individual molecules based on the repulsion between electron pairs.

Front

What is the molecular shape of a molecule with 3 bonded atoms and 1 lone pair?

Back

The molecular shape is trigonal pyramidal.

Front

What is the molecular shape of a molecule with 2 bonded atoms and 2 lone pairs?

Back

The molecular shape is bent.

Front

What is the bond angle in a tetrahedral molecular geometry?

Back

The bond angle in a tetrahedral molecular geometry is approximately 109.5 degrees.

Front

What is the difference between polar and nonpolar molecules?

Back

Polar molecules have an uneven distribution of electron density, leading to a dipole moment, while nonpolar molecules have an even distribution of electron density.

Front

How can you determine if a molecule is polar?

Back

To determine if a molecule is polar, check for the presence of polar bonds and the overall symmetry of the molecule.