Atomic Combinations: molecular structure Flashcards
Define the term “model”. (scientific model)
A scientific model is an idea that is based on general patterns that scientists observe in data.
What constitutes a “good model”.
- A good model explains observed behaviour - you can test the model by using it to predict events in different circumstances.
- A good model matches other knowledge, including scientific models.
Define the term “Valence Electrons”.
Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom.
Define the term “Chemical Bond“.
A strong force of attraction holding atoms together.
Define the term “Electrostatic force“.
An electrostatic force is the force of attraction or repulsion between two oppositely charged particles.
Define the term “Covalent bond“.
The net attractive force between two atoms when a pair of electrons is shared by them (the two atoms).
Distinguish between the Bonding Pair and the Lone Pair(s) of a molecule.
- A bonding pair is a pair of electrons that are shared between two atoms in a covalent bond (they are between the atom symbols).
- Lone pairs are pairs of electrons in a valence shell of an atom that are not shared with another atom (they surround the atom symbols).
What is a Dative Covalent Bond?
A dative covalent bond is a bond where both electrons in a shared pair come from the same atom.
Define the term “Dative Covalent Bond”.
A dative covalent bond is a bond where both electrons of a shared pair come from the same atom/only one of the atoms.
What is another word for “Dative”?
“Coordinate.”
Define the term “Potential energy”.
The energy due to the position of objects in a gravitational, electric or magnetic field.
What are Resonance Forms?
Resonance forms are the equivalent structures that can be made when using the Lewis diagram for compounds/molecules that have atoms with variable valencies with one of the atoms being more than one (e.g. SO3 -> the position of the double bond could be between any of the 3 O-atoms & the S-atom.)
