Bonding and Molecular orbital theory - valence bond theory Flashcards
wave function and probability explanation
the probability density of an electron within an orbital can be found from squaring the wave function.
core atomic orbitals definition
The orbitals which aren’t in the valence electron energy shell which don’t contribute towards the bonding or an atom.
valence orbitals
The occupied orbitals in the highest electron energy shell which contribute towards the bonding of an atom
exothermic reaction definition
a reaction which releases heat energy with a negative enthalpy change
endothermic reaction definition
a reaction which absorbs heat energy with a positive enthalpy
bonds breaking in bond enthalpy
requires heat energy to be absorbed, which means endothermic
which means positive enthalpy
bonds forming bond enthalpy
requires heat energy to be released, which means exothermic
which means negative enthalpy
bond enthalpy calculation
bonds of reactants - bonds of products.
enthalpy symbol and unit
ΔH = kJ/mol
requirements for valence bond theory
atomic orbitals with one electron present must overlap.
These overlapping orbitals must have the same sign.
covalent bond strength rule
the greater the area of overlap for two atomic orbitals relative to the total area of both orbitals, the greater the covalent bond strength.
σ bond definition
a bond formed by the end on overlap of s or p orbitals, which produces a bond with no nodal planes and bond axis symmetry.
nodal plane definition
an area within an orbital where there is no probability of finding an electron.
orbitals which can form σ bonds
s and p orbitals
sign on an s orbital
must always be positive since the wavefunction cannot be negative.