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Hannah
24/07/2025
Chemistry
Orbitals, shapes of molecule and polarity
403
•
24 Jul 2025
•
Cool Chemistry: Orbitals, Shapes of Molecules, and Polarity for A Level
Hannah
@hannah_studys1012
Electronegativity and Molecular Polarity
This page delves deeper into the concepts of electronegativity and molecular polarity, which are crucial for understanding chemical bonding in A Level Chemistry.
Definition: Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract the bonding electrons in a covalent bond.
The page explains trends in electronegativity across the periodic table:
- Across a period: Electronegativity increases from left to right. Reason: Increasing nuclear charge leads to greater attraction of bonding electrons to the nucleus.
- Down a group: Electronegativity decreases. Reason: Increased shielding effect and distance from the nucleus reduce the attraction between bonding electrons and the nucleus.
Highlight: Fluorine is the most electronegative element in the periodic table.
The document introduces the concept of dipole moments in polar covalent bonds. When two atoms of different electronegativities form a covalent bond, the more electronegative atom attracts the bonding electrons more strongly, creating a slight negative charge on that atom and a slight positive charge on the less electronegative atom.
Vocabulary: Dipole moment - a measure of the separation of positive and negative electrical charges in a system of atoms or molecules.
The page emphasizes that the overall polarity of a molecule depends not only on the presence of polar bonds but also on the molecular geometry:
Example: Carbon tetrachloride has polar C-Cl bonds, but the tetrahedral arrangement of these bonds results in a non-polar molecule as the dipole moments cancel out.
This concept is crucial for understanding molecular interactions and properties in OCR A Level Chemistry Structure and bonding questions.
The document concludes by reinforcing the importance of understanding electronegativity and molecular polarity in predicting and explaining chemical behavior, which is essential for answering A level Chemistry electron configuration questions and understanding intermolecular forces in A Level Chemistry OCR.
Electron Orbitals and Molecular Shapes
This page introduces the concept of electron orbitals and their role in determining molecular shapes. It covers the basic principles of orbital filling and explores various molecular geometries.
Definition: An orbital is a region of high probability for finding an electron in an atom.
Highlight: Each orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons.
The page discusses the order of orbital filling, which generally follows increasing energy levels . However, there are some important exceptions to remember:
Example: Copper has an electron configuration that ends with 3d¹⁰ 4s¹ instead of the expected 3d⁹ 4s².
Example: Chromium has a configuration of 3d⁵ 4s¹ rather than 3d⁴ 4s².
These exceptions occur due to the stability of half-filled or fully-filled d-orbitals.
The page then transitions to molecular shapes, introducing linear and non-linear molecules. It presents various molecular geometries, including:
- Linear
- Trigonal planar
- Tetrahedral
- Pyramidal
Vocabulary: Bond angle - the angle formed between two adjacent bonds in a molecule.
The document explains that molecular shapes are determined by the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs of electrons. It also introduces the concept of molecular polarity, noting that the shape of a molecule can affect whether it is polar or non-polar.
Highlight: Lone pairs of electrons repel more strongly than bonding pairs, which can affect bond angles and overall molecular shape.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Cool Chemistry: Orbitals, Shapes of Molecules, and Polarity for A Level
Hannah
@hannah_studys1012
Electron orbitals and molecular shapes are fundamental concepts in A Level Chemistry. This guide explores the unique characteristics of electron orbitals, their shapes, and how they influence molecular structure and polarity. It covers key topics such as electronic configuration... Show more
Electronegativity and Molecular Polarity
This page delves deeper into the concepts of electronegativity and molecular polarity, which are crucial for understanding chemical bonding in A Level Chemistry.
Definition: Electronegativity is the ability of an atom to attract the bonding electrons in a covalent bond.
The page explains trends in electronegativity across the periodic table:
- Across a period: Electronegativity increases from left to right. Reason: Increasing nuclear charge leads to greater attraction of bonding electrons to the nucleus.
- Down a group: Electronegativity decreases. Reason: Increased shielding effect and distance from the nucleus reduce the attraction between bonding electrons and the nucleus.
Highlight: Fluorine is the most electronegative element in the periodic table.
The document introduces the concept of dipole moments in polar covalent bonds. When two atoms of different electronegativities form a covalent bond, the more electronegative atom attracts the bonding electrons more strongly, creating a slight negative charge on that atom and a slight positive charge on the less electronegative atom.
Vocabulary: Dipole moment - a measure of the separation of positive and negative electrical charges in a system of atoms or molecules.
The page emphasizes that the overall polarity of a molecule depends not only on the presence of polar bonds but also on the molecular geometry:
Example: Carbon tetrachloride has polar C-Cl bonds, but the tetrahedral arrangement of these bonds results in a non-polar molecule as the dipole moments cancel out.
This concept is crucial for understanding molecular interactions and properties in OCR A Level Chemistry Structure and bonding questions.
The document concludes by reinforcing the importance of understanding electronegativity and molecular polarity in predicting and explaining chemical behavior, which is essential for answering A level Chemistry electron configuration questions and understanding intermolecular forces in A Level Chemistry OCR.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Electron Orbitals and Molecular Shapes
This page introduces the concept of electron orbitals and their role in determining molecular shapes. It covers the basic principles of orbital filling and explores various molecular geometries.
Definition: An orbital is a region of high probability for finding an electron in an atom.
Highlight: Each orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons.
The page discusses the order of orbital filling, which generally follows increasing energy levels . However, there are some important exceptions to remember:
Example: Copper has an electron configuration that ends with 3d¹⁰ 4s¹ instead of the expected 3d⁹ 4s².
Example: Chromium has a configuration of 3d⁵ 4s¹ rather than 3d⁴ 4s².
These exceptions occur due to the stability of half-filled or fully-filled d-orbitals.
The page then transitions to molecular shapes, introducing linear and non-linear molecules. It presents various molecular geometries, including:
- Linear
- Trigonal planar
- Tetrahedral
- Pyramidal
Vocabulary: Bond angle - the angle formed between two adjacent bonds in a molecule.
The document explains that molecular shapes are determined by the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs of electrons. It also introduces the concept of molecular polarity, noting that the shape of a molecule can affect whether it is polar or non-polar.
Highlight: Lone pairs of electrons repel more strongly than bonding pairs, which can affect bond angles and overall molecular shape.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user