SLO 3.4 Molecular Structure

Key Concepts and Skills

Electron Geometry: Use valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory to predict the electron geometry of molecules, and their bond angles.
Molecular Geometry (Shape): Assign molecular geometries to compounds from a symbolic representation (formula, Lewis structure) using VSEPR. Determine bond angles including describing why deviations from ideal bond angles occur.
Hybridization and Valence Bond Theory: Demonstrate how hybrid orbitals are formed for atoms in a molecule using and describe the resulting orbital shape for \(sp\), \(sp^2\) and \(sp^3\). Connect hybridized geometries to the conclusions derived from VSEPR.
Pi and Sigma Bonding, Identify molecular bonds as pi (\(\pi\)) or sigma (\(\sigma\)), explain properties of pi and sigma bonds, and explain how orbital overlap leads to different bond types.
Polar Molecules: Identify polar molecules by determining appropriate partial charges (sign and magnitude) of an atom and assess magnitude and direction of individual bond and molecular dipole moments.

From the textbook:
- 11.2: VSEPR Theory: The Five Basic Shapes
- 11.3: VSEPR Theory: The Effect of Lone Pairs
- 11.4: VSEPR Theory: Predicting Molecular Geometries
- 11.5: Molecular Shape and Polarity
- 11.6: Valence Bond Theory: Orbital Overlap as a Chemical Bond
- 11.7: Valence Bond Theory: Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals
POGIL Activities
- CA-17: What Shapes Do Molecules Have?
- CA-H: What Does an Electron Do in a Chemical Bond?
Other:

Sample assessment questions for CHEM 1340 SLO 4.1

From the textbook:
- 11.7, 11.14, 11.27, 11.31-32, 11.45-48, 11.53-56, 11.61-62, 11.83, 11.85
From other external sources:
- Hybridization Practice
From Dr. Thompson (links and embedded versions below):