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Chapter 37: Problem 5

Is it useful to think of the highest-energy electrons as "belonging" to individual atoms in an ionically bonded molecule? In a covalently bonded molecule?

Short Answer

Expert verified
In ionic bonding, it's not useful to think of the highest-energy electrons as 'belonging' to individual atoms, since electrons are transferred. However, in covalent bonding, where electrons are shared, it could be more appropriate to consider the highest-energy electrons as belonging to both atoms involved in the bond.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Ionic Bonding

In ionic bonding, atoms transfer electrons from one to another. The atom that loses an electron becomes a positive ion, while the atom that gains the electron becomes a negative ion. These ions are attracted to each other, forming a bond. So, in an ionically bonded molecule, it is not particularly useful to think of the highest-energy electrons as 'belonging' to individual atoms, since they are transferred completely from one atom to another.
02

Understand Covalent Bonding

In covalent bonding, atoms share electrons. These shared electrons orbit the nuclei of both atoms involved in the bond. Therefore, in a covalently bonded molecule, it could be more appropriate to think of the highest-energy electrons as 'belonging' to both atoms jointly, rather than to individual atoms.
03

Summarize

In summary, when understanding the concept of highest-energy electrons, the type of chemical bond matters. In ionic bonding, electrons are transferred and don't 'belong' to individual atoms, in covalent bonding, electrons are shared and 'belong' to both atoms involved in the bond.

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