SHAPES OF MOLECULES AND INTERMOLECULAR FORCES Flashcards
The electron pair repulsion theory
Electron pairs surrounding central atom determines the molecule / ion shape
Pairs repel each other so they are arranged as far as possible
Arrangement minimises repulsion, so hold atoms in definite shape
Different number of electron pairs = different shape
What 2 factors determines the shape of a molecule / ion
Bonding regions
Lone pairs
Lone pair
Lone pair slightly closer to central atom
Occupies more space than a bonded atom because they repel more strongly than a bonding pair
How does a lone pair affect the bond angle?
Reduces the bond angle by 2.5 per lone pair
What is the bond angle of a tetrahedral molecule
- 5
e. g. CH4
What is the bond angle of a pyramidal molecule
107
e.g. NH3
What is the bond angle of a non linear molecule
104.5
Non-linear
A molecule with 2 bonding regions
Bond angle : 180
linear
e.g. CO2
A molecule with 3 bonding regions
Bond angle: 120
Trigonal planar
e.g. BF3
A molecule with 4 bonding regions
Bond angle: 109.5
Tetrahedral
e.g. CH4
A molecule with 6 bonding regions
Bond angle: 90
Octahedral
e.g. SF6
Examples of tetrahedral molecules
CH4
Ammonium ions
SO4^2-
Examples of trigonal planar molecules
CO3 ^2-
NO3 ^-
What is meant by electronegativity
The attarcted of a bonded atom for the pair of electrons in a covalent bond
What scale is used to compare electrongetavitivties
Pauling scale
What is the most electronegative element?
Fluorine