Compounds, Molecules, and Bonds - MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
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Which of the following is a polar molecule?
Which of the following is a polar molecule?
Of the answers, only H2O has a net dipole moment, making water the polar molecule. All the other molecules have balanced structures and no difference in electronegativity between side groups.
Of the answers, only H2O has a net dipole moment, making water the polar molecule. All the other molecules have balanced structures and no difference in electronegativity between side groups.
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Electronegativity is an important concept in physical chemistry, and often used to help quantify the dipole moment of polar compounds. Polar compounds are different from those compounds that are purely nonpolar or purely ionic. An example can be seen by contrasting sodium chloride, NaCl, with an organic molecule, R-C-OH. The former is purely ionic, and the latter is polar covalent.
When comparing more than one polar covalent molecule, we use the dipole moment value to help us determine relative strength of polarity. Dipole moment, however, is dependent on the electronegativity of the atoms making up the bond. Electronegativity is a property inherent to the atom in question, whereas dipole moment is a property of the bond between them.
For example, oxygen has an electronegativity of 3.44, and hydrogen of 2.20. In other words, oxygen more strongly attracts electrons when in a bond with hydrogen. This leads to the O-H bond having a dipole moment.
When all the dipole moments of polar bonds in a molecule are summed, the molecular dipole moment results, as per the following equation.
Dipole moment = charge * separation distance
A scientist is investigating the polar nature of several compounds. He compares the vapor pressure of water to the vapor pressure of an assortment of low molecular weight hydrocarbons. What is he most likely to find?
Electronegativity is an important concept in physical chemistry, and often used to help quantify the dipole moment of polar compounds. Polar compounds are different from those compounds that are purely nonpolar or purely ionic. An example can be seen by contrasting sodium chloride, NaCl, with an organic molecule, R-C-OH. The former is purely ionic, and the latter is polar covalent.
When comparing more than one polar covalent molecule, we use the dipole moment value to help us determine relative strength of polarity. Dipole moment, however, is dependent on the electronegativity of the atoms making up the bond. Electronegativity is a property inherent to the atom in question, whereas dipole moment is a property of the bond between them.
For example, oxygen has an electronegativity of 3.44, and hydrogen of 2.20. In other words, oxygen more strongly attracts electrons when in a bond with hydrogen. This leads to the O-H bond having a dipole moment.
When all the dipole moments of polar bonds in a molecule are summed, the molecular dipole moment results, as per the following equation.
Dipole moment = charge * separation distance
A scientist is investigating the polar nature of several compounds. He compares the vapor pressure of water to the vapor pressure of an assortment of low molecular weight hydrocarbons. What is he most likely to find?
The strong polarity of water relative to hydrocarbons means that water will have a more difficult time breaking out of its liquid phase, and into its gas phase to generate a vapor pressure. Substances with a high vapor pressure generally have weaker intermolecular bonds and a lower boiling point.
The strong polarity of water relative to hydrocarbons means that water will have a more difficult time breaking out of its liquid phase, and into its gas phase to generate a vapor pressure. Substances with a high vapor pressure generally have weaker intermolecular bonds and a lower boiling point.
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Which of the following molecules contain intramolecular hydrogen bonds?
Which of the following molecules contain intramolecular hydrogen bonds?
The question is asking for intramolecular hydrogen bonds, meaning which of the following molecules will contain hydrogen bonds between the atoms within a single molecule. Hydrogen bonds exist only between a hydrogen and a nitrogen, oxygen, or flourine. Although acetone and dimethyl ether contain an oxygen that can make hydrogen bonds, the molecules themselves do not contain hydrogen bonds. These compounds form intermolecular hydrogen bonds only.
Para-Nitrophenol, similarly, will form intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The para positioning of substituents prevents them from interacting within a single molecule. Ortho-nitrophenol allows for such itneractions by having substituents on adjacent carbons. The hydrogen of the phenol and the oxygen of the nitro will form a hydrogen bond within a single molecule, therefore, ortho-nitrophenol is the only molecule present that contains intramolecular hydrogen bonds since it can form hydrogen bonds within itself.
The question is asking for intramolecular hydrogen bonds, meaning which of the following molecules will contain hydrogen bonds between the atoms within a single molecule. Hydrogen bonds exist only between a hydrogen and a nitrogen, oxygen, or flourine. Although acetone and dimethyl ether contain an oxygen that can make hydrogen bonds, the molecules themselves do not contain hydrogen bonds. These compounds form intermolecular hydrogen bonds only.
Para-Nitrophenol, similarly, will form intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The para positioning of substituents prevents them from interacting within a single molecule. Ortho-nitrophenol allows for such itneractions by having substituents on adjacent carbons. The hydrogen of the phenol and the oxygen of the nitro will form a hydrogen bond within a single molecule, therefore, ortho-nitrophenol is the only molecule present that contains intramolecular hydrogen bonds since it can form hydrogen bonds within itself.
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Which of the following is not true of hydrogen bonds?
Which of the following is not true of hydrogen bonds?
Hydrogen bonds are only formed between molecules with polar covalent bonds, and not in nonpolar moelcules. They result from the electromagnetic attraction between hydrogen (which is slightly positively charged) and an atom of opposite (negative) charge, namely the negatively charged end of a polar molecule. All the other statements are accurate.
Hydrogen bonds are only formed between molecules with polar covalent bonds, and not in nonpolar moelcules. They result from the electromagnetic attraction between hydrogen (which is slightly positively charged) and an atom of opposite (negative) charge, namely the negatively charged end of a polar molecule. All the other statements are accurate.
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Rank the following compounds in order of increasing polarity, starting with the most non-polar compound.
, 
, 
, 
Rank the following compounds in order of increasing polarity, starting with the most non-polar compound.
Polarity is determined by differences in electronegativity between the two atoms involved in a bond. A large difference in electronegativity will result in a more polar compound. Symmetry, however, can balance net polarities in bonds, can cancel the differences.
has tetrahedral geometry, and since the four groups attached to the central silicon atom are identical, this molecule has no net dipole moment due to its symmetry. It is the most non-polar compound.
In comparing 
and 
, recall that carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen are in the same row of the periodic table, but carbon is farther from oxygen than nitrogen. This means there is a greater electronegativity difference in 
than 
, and 
is going to be more polar.
Finally, 
is an ionic compound, so it is going to be the most polar of all four compounds.
Polarity is determined by differences in electronegativity between the two atoms involved in a bond. A large difference in electronegativity will result in a more polar compound. Symmetry, however, can balance net polarities in bonds, can cancel the differences.
In comparing
Finally,
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Boiling point is the temperature a liquid needs to achieve in order to begin its transformation into a gaseous state. Campers and hikers who prepare food during their trips have to account for differences in atmospheric pressure as they ascend in elevation. During the ascent, the decrease in atmospheric pressure changes the temperature at which water boils.
Further complicating the matter is the observation that addition of a solute to a pure liquid also changes the boiling point. Raoult’s Law can be used to understand the changes in boiling point if a non-volatile solute is present, as expressed here.
In this law, 
is the mole fraction of the solvent, 
is the vapor pressure of the pure solvent, and 
is the vapor pressure of the solution. When this vapor pressure is equal to the local atmospheric pressure, the solution boils.
A scientist is studying a series of compounds at standard conditions. Of the compounds listed below, which is likely to have the highest vapor pressure?
Boiling point is the temperature a liquid needs to achieve in order to begin its transformation into a gaseous state. Campers and hikers who prepare food during their trips have to account for differences in atmospheric pressure as they ascend in elevation. During the ascent, the decrease in atmospheric pressure changes the temperature at which water boils.
Further complicating the matter is the observation that addition of a solute to a pure liquid also changes the boiling point. Raoult’s Law can be used to understand the changes in boiling point if a non-volatile solute is present, as expressed here.
In this law,
A scientist is studying a series of compounds at standard conditions. Of the compounds listed below, which is likely to have the highest vapor pressure?
In this example, methane, 
, has the lowest molecular weight. Hydrocarbons that have the lowest molecular weight have the least opportunity for van der Waals forces to keep them from moving into the gaseous state; thus, they have the greatest tendency to form vapor and have the greatest vapor pressure. Recognize that the greater the intermolecular forces, the higher the boiling point and lower the vapor pressure.
Sodium chloride is a solid salt. Solids do in fact have vapor pressures, but the ionic structure of this salt makes it very low.
In this example, methane,
Sodium chloride is a solid salt. Solids do in fact have vapor pressures, but the ionic structure of this salt makes it very low.
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Which hydrocarbon has the highest melting point?
Which hydrocarbon has the highest melting point?
Melting points of hydrocarbons are determined by two main factors: length of the carbon chain and degree of saturation. Longer carbon chains will have higher melting points, and chains with more saturated bonds have higher melting points.
Of the given answers, 
has the longest carbon chain and is fully saturated. It will thus have the highest melting point.
Melting points of hydrocarbons are determined by two main factors: length of the carbon chain and degree of saturation. Longer carbon chains will have higher melting points, and chains with more saturated bonds have higher melting points.
Of the given answers,
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A student mislabels three jars containing three different molecules. The student frantically tries to find the identity of the molecules in each jar. He knows that the three possible molecules are methanol (
), dichloromethane (
), and propane (
). At room temperature, he observes that one of the jars contains a gas, whereas the other two jars contain liquids. He then finds the boiling point of each jar. The molecule from jar A has a boiling point of 
, jar B has a boiling point of 
, and jar C has a boiling point of 
. Based on his findings he is able to determine the identity of the molecules in each jar.
The molecule with the highest boiling point will contain the greatest number of .
A student mislabels three jars containing three different molecules. The student frantically tries to find the identity of the molecules in each jar. He knows that the three possible molecules are methanol (
The molecule with the highest boiling point will contain the greatest number of .
"Inter-" means between and "intra-" means within. Intermolecular forces are forces that exist between separate molecules and intramolecular forces exist within or inside a single molecule.
Remember that boiling point and melting point depend on the intermolecular forces, not intramolecular forces. Boiling and melting involve separation of molecules from one another. You will need a higher boiling and melting point if the forces between the molecules (intermolecular forces) are strong. The strongest form of intermolecular force is the hydrogen bond. Hydrogen bonds are intermolecular forces that occur between a hydrogen atom in one molecule and a nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine atom on another molecule. The molecule with the highest boiling point will have the greatest amount of hydrogen bonds, since this would result in the strongest intermolecular interactions.
Covalent bonds are bonds within the molecule (intramolecular forces) and do not have any effect on the boiling point. Hydrogen bonds can form within a molecule, generating intramolecular forces, but will only do so under certain conditions. The formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds will not affect boiling point unless the ability to form intermolecular hydrogen bonds is inhibited by this process.
"Inter-" means between and "intra-" means within. Intermolecular forces are forces that exist between separate molecules and intramolecular forces exist within or inside a single molecule.
Remember that boiling point and melting point depend on the intermolecular forces, not intramolecular forces. Boiling and melting involve separation of molecules from one another. You will need a higher boiling and melting point if the forces between the molecules (intermolecular forces) are strong. The strongest form of intermolecular force is the hydrogen bond. Hydrogen bonds are intermolecular forces that occur between a hydrogen atom in one molecule and a nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine atom on another molecule. The molecule with the highest boiling point will have the greatest amount of hydrogen bonds, since this would result in the strongest intermolecular interactions.
Covalent bonds are bonds within the molecule (intramolecular forces) and do not have any effect on the boiling point. Hydrogen bonds can form within a molecule, generating intramolecular forces, but will only do so under certain conditions. The formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds will not affect boiling point unless the ability to form intermolecular hydrogen bonds is inhibited by this process.
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A student mislabels three jars containing three different molecules. The student frantically tries to find the identity of the molecules in each jar. He knows that the three possible molecules are methanol (), dichloromethane (), and propane (). At room temperature, he observes that one of the jars contains a gas, whereas the other two jars contain liquids. He then finds the boiling point of each jar. The molecule from jar A has a boiling point of 
, jar B has a boiling point of 
, and jar C has a boiling point of 
. Based on his findings he is able to determine the identity of the molecules in each jar.
Which of the three molecules cannot participate in hydrogen bonding?
I. Methanol
II. Dichloromethane
III. Propane
A student mislabels three jars containing three different molecules. The student frantically tries to find the identity of the molecules in each jar. He knows that the three possible molecules are methanol (
Which of the three molecules cannot participate in hydrogen bonding?
I. Methanol
II. Dichloromethane
III. Propane
Hydrogen bonding is an intermolecular force that occurs between a hydrogen bond donor (hydrogen) and a hydrogen bond acceptor (nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine). The bond is a result of the electromagnetic attraction of the partial positive charge on the hydrogen atom to the partial negative charge on nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine.
To answer this question you need to look at the chemical makeup of each molecule and determine if the molecule contains the appropriate atoms. Methanol contains oxygen and hydrogen; therefore, methanol molecules can form hydrogen bonds. Dichloromethane and propane contain hydrogen, but they don’t contain nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine; therefore, they can’t form hydrogen bonds.
Hydrogen bonding is an intermolecular force that occurs between a hydrogen bond donor (hydrogen) and a hydrogen bond acceptor (nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine). The bond is a result of the electromagnetic attraction of the partial positive charge on the hydrogen atom to the partial negative charge on nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine.
To answer this question you need to look at the chemical makeup of each molecule and determine if the molecule contains the appropriate atoms. Methanol contains oxygen and hydrogen; therefore, methanol molecules can form hydrogen bonds. Dichloromethane and propane contain hydrogen, but they don’t contain nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine; therefore, they can’t form hydrogen bonds.
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A student mislabels three jars containing three different molecules. The student frantically tries to find the identity of the molecules in each jar. He knows that the three possible molecules are methanol (), dichloromethane (), and propane (). At room temperature, he observes that one of the jars contains a gas, whereas the other two jars contain liquids. He then finds the boiling point of each jar. The molecule from jar A has a boiling point of 
, jar B has a boiling point of 
, and jar C has a boiling point of 
. Based on his findings he is able to determine the identity of the molecules in each jar.
If methanol was added to a solution containing ammonia, which of the following hydrogen bonds will be the strongest?
A student mislabels three jars containing three different molecules. The student frantically tries to find the identity of the molecules in each jar. He knows that the three possible molecules are methanol (
If methanol was added to a solution containing ammonia, which of the following hydrogen bonds will be the strongest?
A hydrogen bond forms between a hydrogen bond donor (hydrogen) and a hydrogen bond acceptor (nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine). The strength of a hydrogen bond can be determined by examining the acidity of the hydrogen and basicity of the acceptor. A hydrogen is more acidic when it is attached to a more electronegative atom. This occurs because the electronegative atom pulls the electron density towards itself, making it easy for the hydrogen to act as a leaving group (weaker bond).
A hydrogen on fluorine is the most acidic, and a hydrogen on nitrogen is the least acidic (of the hydrogen bonging possibilities). Basicity of the acceptor is also important in determining the strength of hydrogen bond. A more basic molecule will make the hydrogen bond stronger. Nitrogen forms the strongest hydrogen bonds, whereas fluorine forms the weakest hydrogen bonds.
In our case, the strongest bond will occur between the hydrogen from the hydroxyl group of methanol (most acidic donor) and the nitrogen from ammonia (most basic acceptor).
A hydrogen bond forms between a hydrogen bond donor (hydrogen) and a hydrogen bond acceptor (nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine). The strength of a hydrogen bond can be determined by examining the acidity of the hydrogen and basicity of the acceptor. A hydrogen is more acidic when it is attached to a more electronegative atom. This occurs because the electronegative atom pulls the electron density towards itself, making it easy for the hydrogen to act as a leaving group (weaker bond).
A hydrogen on fluorine is the most acidic, and a hydrogen on nitrogen is the least acidic (of the hydrogen bonging possibilities). Basicity of the acceptor is also important in determining the strength of hydrogen bond. A more basic molecule will make the hydrogen bond stronger. Nitrogen forms the strongest hydrogen bonds, whereas fluorine forms the weakest hydrogen bonds.
In our case, the strongest bond will occur between the hydrogen from the hydroxyl group of methanol (most acidic donor) and the nitrogen from ammonia (most basic acceptor).
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A student mislabels three jars containing three different molecules. The student frantically tries to find the identity of the molecules in each jar. He knows that the three possible molecules are methanol (), dichloromethane (), and propane (). At room temperature, he observes that one of the jars contains a gas, whereas the other two jars contain liquids. He then finds the boiling point of each jar. The molecule from jar A has a boiling point of 
, jar B has a boiling point of 
, and jar C has a boiling point of 
. Based on his findings he is able to determine the identity of the molecules in each jar.
What is the main cause of dipole-dipole interactions?
A student mislabels three jars containing three different molecules. The student frantically tries to find the identity of the molecules in each jar. He knows that the three possible molecules are methanol (
What is the main cause of dipole-dipole interactions?
Dipole-dipole interactions are intermolecular forces that result from attraction of partial charges of atoms. Partial charges are caused by uneven sharing of electrons between atoms. For example, a covalent bond between a hydrogen and a chlorine atom will cause uneven electron sharing between the two atoms. Chlorine, a more electronegative atom, will attract the electrons closer than hydrogen; therefore, the chlorine atoms will have a partial negative charge whereas the hydrogen atom will have a partial positive charge.
Molecules containing partial charges, such as 
, are called dipoles. When dipoles are added into solution, the partial charges attract one another and form dipole-dipole interactions. In an 
solution the partial positive charge of hydrogen from one 
molecule will interact with the partial negative charge of chlorine from another 
molecule and form a dipole-dipole interaction.
Remember that the differences in electronegativity doesn’t change the overall charge of the molecule. It just gives rise to partial charges that result from the relative location of electrons between the two atoms.
Dipole-dipole interactions are intermolecular forces that result from attraction of partial charges of atoms. Partial charges are caused by uneven sharing of electrons between atoms. For example, a covalent bond between a hydrogen and a chlorine atom will cause uneven electron sharing between the two atoms. Chlorine, a more electronegative atom, will attract the electrons closer than hydrogen; therefore, the chlorine atoms will have a partial negative charge whereas the hydrogen atom will have a partial positive charge.
Molecules containing partial charges, such as
Remember that the differences in electronegativity doesn’t change the overall charge of the molecule. It just gives rise to partial charges that result from the relative location of electrons between the two atoms.
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A student mislabels three jars containing three different molecules. The student frantically tries to find the identity of the molecules in each jar. He knows that the three possible molecules are methanol (), dichloromethane (), and propane (). At room temperature, he observes that one of the jars contains a gas, whereas the other two jars contain liquids. He then finds the boiling point of each jar. The molecule from jar A has a boiling point of 
, jar B has a boiling point of 
, and jar C has a boiling point of 
. Based on his findings he is able to determine the identity of the molecules in each jar.
Dipole-dipole interactions can be observed in molecules of:
I. Methanol
II. Dichloromethane
III. Propane
A student mislabels three jars containing three different molecules. The student frantically tries to find the identity of the molecules in each jar. He knows that the three possible molecules are methanol (
Dipole-dipole interactions can be observed in molecules of:
I. Methanol
II. Dichloromethane
III. Propane
Dipole-dipole interactions occur between a partial positive and negative charge. Since partial charges arise from electronegativity differences, you are looking for molecules that contain atoms with different electronegativities.
Methanol molecules contain oxygen and hydrogen, which have very different electronegativities. Methanol molecules form dipole-dipole interactions between the partially positive hydrogen and the partially negative oxygen. This bond is also called a hydrogen bond. Hydrogen bonds are an extreme type of a dipole-dipole interaction.
Similarly, dichloromethane molecules contain chlorine and carbon atoms (very different electronegativities). Dichloromethane can form dipole-dipole interactions between partially negative chlorine atoms and partially positive carbon atoms.
Finally, propane contains only carbon and hydrogen, which have similar electronegativities. There are no dipole-dipole interactions in propane because there are no partial charges. The best answer is I and II.
Dipole-dipole interactions occur between a partial positive and negative charge. Since partial charges arise from electronegativity differences, you are looking for molecules that contain atoms with different electronegativities.
Methanol molecules contain oxygen and hydrogen, which have very different electronegativities. Methanol molecules form dipole-dipole interactions between the partially positive hydrogen and the partially negative oxygen. This bond is also called a hydrogen bond. Hydrogen bonds are an extreme type of a dipole-dipole interaction.
Similarly, dichloromethane molecules contain chlorine and carbon atoms (very different electronegativities). Dichloromethane can form dipole-dipole interactions between partially negative chlorine atoms and partially positive carbon atoms.
Finally, propane contains only carbon and hydrogen, which have similar electronegativities. There are no dipole-dipole interactions in propane because there are no partial charges. The best answer is I and II.
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Which of the following compounds has the highest boiling point?
Which of the following compounds has the highest boiling point?
All options have hydrogen attached to an electronegative atom. This difference in electronegativity gives hydrogen a partially positive charge, which allows it to become attracted to neighboring molecules with partially negative charges. This intermolecular force is called hydrogen bonding, and takes place when hydrogen is attached to nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine.
Fluorine is the most electronegative atom out of the options, meaning that the hydrogen has the strongest partially positive charge in hydrofluoric acid. As a result, it will have the strongest attraction to neighboring molecules. Larger intermolecular forces generally result in higher boiling points. This strong attraction gives it the highest boiling point.
Hydrogen sulfide is the only given compound that does not exhibit hydrogen bonding. This means it will have the weakest intermolecular interactions and, as expected, this results in the lowest boiling point of the given compounds.
All options have hydrogen attached to an electronegative atom. This difference in electronegativity gives hydrogen a partially positive charge, which allows it to become attracted to neighboring molecules with partially negative charges. This intermolecular force is called hydrogen bonding, and takes place when hydrogen is attached to nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine.
Fluorine is the most electronegative atom out of the options, meaning that the hydrogen has the strongest partially positive charge in hydrofluoric acid. As a result, it will have the strongest attraction to neighboring molecules. Larger intermolecular forces generally result in higher boiling points. This strong attraction gives it the highest boiling point.
Hydrogen sulfide is the only given compound that does not exhibit hydrogen bonding. This means it will have the weakest intermolecular interactions and, as expected, this results in the lowest boiling point of the given compounds.
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How many valence electrons do boron and nitrogen have?
How many valence electrons do boron and nitrogen have?
To determine the number of electrons an atom has, you must look at which column the atom is in on the periodic table. Boron is in column 3A, so it has three valence electrons. Nitrogen is in column 5A, so it has five valence electrons.
You should be familiar with common elements, like nitrogen, without looking at the periodic table. This will save you time on the exam.
To determine the number of electrons an atom has, you must look at which column the atom is in on the periodic table. Boron is in column 3A, so it has three valence electrons. Nitrogen is in column 5A, so it has five valence electrons.
You should be familiar with common elements, like nitrogen, without looking at the periodic table. This will save you time on the exam.
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can be represented by three different Lewis diagrams. What is best term for this phenomenon?
The answer is resonance structures. When different Lewis structures can be drawn for a single molecule, the molecule exists as a composite of these structures, which are called resonance structures.
Isotopes refers to multiple nuclear compositions for a single element, based on varying numbers of neutrons. Isomers are different configurations of a given molecular formula, based on geometry and orientation. Epimers are a specific class of isomers involving a single stereocenter.
The answer is resonance structures. When different Lewis structures can be drawn for a single molecule, the molecule exists as a composite of these structures, which are called resonance structures.
Isotopes refers to multiple nuclear compositions for a single element, based on varying numbers of neutrons. Isomers are different configurations of a given molecular formula, based on geometry and orientation. Epimers are a specific class of isomers involving a single stereocenter.
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Diffusion can be defined as the net transfer of molecules down a gradient of differing concentrations. This is a passive and spontaneous process and relies on the random movement of molecules and Brownian motion. Diffusion is an important biological process, especially in the respiratory system where oxygen diffuses from alveoli, the basic unit of lung mechanics, to red blood cells in the capillaries.
Figure 1 depicts this process, showing an alveoli separated from neighboring cells by a capillary with red blood cells. The partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide are given. One such equation used in determining gas exchange is Fick's law, given by:
ΔV = (Area/Thickness) · Dgas · (P1 – P2)
Where ΔV is flow rate and area and thickness refer to the permeable membrane through which the gas passes, in this case, the wall of the avlveoli. P1 and P2 refer to the partial pressures upstream and downstream, respectively. Further, Dgas, the diffusion constant of the gas, is defined as:
Dgas = Solubility / (Molecular Weight)^(1/2)
How many total valence electrons does carbon dioxide contain?
Diffusion can be defined as the net transfer of molecules down a gradient of differing concentrations. This is a passive and spontaneous process and relies on the random movement of molecules and Brownian motion. Diffusion is an important biological process, especially in the respiratory system where oxygen diffuses from alveoli, the basic unit of lung mechanics, to red blood cells in the capillaries.
Figure 1 depicts this process, showing an alveoli separated from neighboring cells by a capillary with red blood cells. The partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide are given. One such equation used in determining gas exchange is Fick's law, given by:
ΔV = (Area/Thickness) · Dgas · (P1 – P2)
Where ΔV is flow rate and area and thickness refer to the permeable membrane through which the gas passes, in this case, the wall of the avlveoli. P1 and P2 refer to the partial pressures upstream and downstream, respectively. Further, Dgas, the diffusion constant of the gas, is defined as:
Dgas = Solubility / (Molecular Weight)^(1/2)
How many total valence electrons does carbon dioxide contain?
This is a straightforward question that has little to do with the passage, but it's a concept almost certainly to be seen on the MCAT.
Make sure to understand the concept of valence electrons and what that number may tell you about bonding properties. Questions like these are essentially "freebies," and should be answered without hesitation.
This is a straightforward question that has little to do with the passage, but it's a concept almost certainly to be seen on the MCAT.
Make sure to understand the concept of valence electrons and what that number may tell you about bonding properties. Questions like these are essentially "freebies," and should be answered without hesitation.
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Which of the following is the correct name for the compound 
?
Which of the following is the correct name for the compound
The compound 
contains a metal (potassium) and a nonmetal (oxygen), so it is an ionic compound, with no transition metals. To name an ionic compound, the following rules apply:
- the metal component's name does not change, regardless of quanitiy or charge
- the non-metal component's name ends in -ide, and has no prefix
- if the metal is a transition metal, the metal's charge is specified with a Roman numeral
Using these rules, the correct name is potassium oxide.
The compound
- the metal component's name does not change, regardless of quanitiy or charge
- the non-metal component's name ends in -ide, and has no prefix
- if the metal is a transition metal, the metal's charge is specified with a Roman numeral
Using these rules, the correct name is potassium oxide.
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What type of bond is formed in potassium iodide?
What type of bond is formed in potassium iodide?
Potassium iodide (KI) forms an ionic bond. Potassium and iodine have very different electronegativities. The two atoms would form an ionic bond since ionic bonds form between atoms with a large difference in electronegativity (difference>1.7 using the Pauling scale will result in an ionic bond).
Potassium iodide (KI) forms an ionic bond. Potassium and iodine have very different electronegativities. The two atoms would form an ionic bond since ionic bonds form between atoms with a large difference in electronegativity (difference>1.7 using the Pauling scale will result in an ionic bond).
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Which of the following compounds contain an ionic bond?
Which of the following compounds contain an ionic bond?
Ionic bonds are bonds in which there is a complete transfer of electrons between two elements. They are formed between two elements with a large difference in electronegativity, like a metal and nonmetal. Molecules with similar electronegativities share their electrons and form covalent bonds.
Because bromine has a much higher electronegativity than potassium, it will fully take an electron from potassium to form a complete octet, leaving potassium also with a complete octet.
, 
, and 
all form covalent bonds and share electrons between the atoms of the molecule.
Ionic bonds are bonds in which there is a complete transfer of electrons between two elements. They are formed between two elements with a large difference in electronegativity, like a metal and nonmetal. Molecules with similar electronegativities share their electrons and form covalent bonds.
Because bromine has a much higher electronegativity than potassium, it will fully take an electron from potassium to form a complete octet, leaving potassium also with a complete octet.
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The electronegativities of certain elements are given below:
Which of the following compounds is most ionic in character?
The electronegativities of certain elements are given below:
Which of the following compounds is most ionic in character?
The degree of ionic character of a compound is determined by comparing the electronegativities of the species involved. The greater the difference in electronegativity, the more ionic the compound.
Here the greatest arithmetic difference is found in yttrium trichloride.
The degree of ionic character of a compound is determined by comparing the electronegativities of the species involved. The greater the difference in electronegativity, the more ionic the compound.
Here the greatest arithmetic difference is found in yttrium trichloride.
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