IB Chemistry Sub-topic S2.2 Definitions

This page contains our IB Chemistry definitions for sub-topic S2.2. By learning each one of these definitions, you will fully cover the content for IB Chemistry 'Covalent bonding & forces'.
adduct

Two molecules bound together by a dative bond

allotrope

A crystalline form of a compound

coordinate covalent bond

A covalent bond formed when a single atom donates a shared pair of electrons. Also called dative covalent bond 

covalent bond

The electrostatic attraction of two nuclei to a shared pair of electrons

dipole-dipole forces

The attraction between oppositely charged dipoles of two polar molecules

electron domain

The number of bonding and non-bonding pairs of electrons

electronegativity

Relative measure of the attraction an atom has for a shared pair of electrons when covalently bonded to another atom

hydrogen bonding

A dipole-dipole force that occurs between compounds with a hydrogen atom, and a lone pair present on one of nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine

instantaneous dipole

A dipole created by having a high concentration of electrons in a certain area at any point in time. Found in London dispersion forces 

intermolecular forces

The forces between molecules

Lewis structure

A visual representation of covalent compounds, showing all valence electrons as dots, lines or Xs

non-polar bond

A bond formed when there is an electronegativity difference of <0.5, leading to no poles being formed

polar bond

A bond formed when there is an electronegativity difference of 0.5-1.8, leading to one atom pulling electrons more towards itself to create a negative pole on its side and a positive pole on the other atom

resonance hybrids

A molecule that has more than one correct lewis structure

resultant polarity

The directional sum of polarity when a molecule has multiple polar bonds

valence shell

Outermost energy level of an atom 

VSEPR theory

Valence shell electron pair repulsion theory. Allows us to determine the correct 3D shape of a covalent compound

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