Understanding Crystal Field Theory

Why can't VSEPR Theory explain the geometries of coordination compounds?

• Because coordination compounds have simple bonding.

• Because coordination compounds involve complex bonding.

• Because coordination compounds do not have geometries.

• Because VSEPR Theory is outdated.

What is the main premise of Crystal Field Theory?

• Metal ions and ligands are treated as point charges.

• Metal ions and ligands are treated as magnetic fields.

• Metal ions and ligands are treated as covalent bonds.

• Metal ions and ligands are treated as hybridized orbitals.

In an octahedral complex, which orbitals are referred to as EG orbitals?

• Orbitals that are hybridized.

• Orbitals that are unhybridized.

• Orbitals that point in the direction of ligands.

• Orbitals that point between ligands.

What determines whether a complex is high spin or low spin?

• The temperature of the environment.

• The size of the metal ion.

• The energy difference between EG and T2G orbitals.

• The color of the ligands.

How do ligands interact with orbitals in a tetrahedral complex?

• They approach orbitals at random.

• They approach orbitals on the axes.

• They approach orbitals between the axes.

• They do not interact with orbitals.

In a square planar geometry, how does the energy splitting compare to octahedral?

• It is greater than octahedral.

• It is lesser than octahedral.

• It is the same as octahedral.

• It does not occur in square planar geometry.

What property of coordination compounds can be explained by Crystal Field Theory?

• Their boiling point.

• Their color.

• Their density.

• Their solubility.

How does Crystal Field Theory explain the color of coordination compounds?

• By the absorption of light by s orbitals.

• By the emission of photons due to d orbital energy differences.

• By the reflection of light by p orbitals.

• By the absorption of light by f orbitals.

What happens when an electron in a coordination compound goes from an excited state to a lower state?

• It absorbs a photon.

• It emits a photon.

• It changes color.

• It becomes magnetic.

Why is Crystal Field Theory considered a powerful model?

• It only applies to organic compounds.

• It is simpler than VSEPR Theory.

• It predicts a variety of properties for coordination compounds.

• It explains all types of chemical bonding.