Orbital Hybridization: Valence Bond Theory Flashcards
According to valence bond theory, how do orbitals form a covalent bond?
The orbitals overlap and a pair of electrons occupy the overlap region
How many electrons can exist in a region of orbital overlap?
2, with opposing spins
When there is greater overlap of orbitals, is a covalent bond stronger or weaker?
Stronger
According to valence bond theory, what dictates the extent of overlap between orbitals?
The shape and direction of the orbitals.
According to valence bond theory, what dictates the shape of a molecule?
The orbitals on the central atom
What is orbital hybridization?
When different orbitals combine to form an identical orbital.
Is the number of hybrid orbitals formed equal to the number of orbitals mixed?
Yes
What hybrid orbitals are formed in a molecule with linear electron arrangement?
Two sp orbitals
What hybrid orbitals are formed in a molecule with trigonal planar electron arrangement?
Three sp^2 orbitals
What hybrid orbitals are formed in a molecule with tetrahedral electron arrangement?
Four sp^3 orbitals
What hybrid orbitals are formed in a molecule with trigonal bipyramidal electron arrangement?
Five sp^3d orbitals
What hybrid orbitals are formed in a molecule with octahedral electron arrangement?
Six sp^3d^2 orbitals
